Michael Kaye appointed General Manager of the Combustion Engineering Association

The Combustion Engineering Association (CEA) is pleased to announce Michael Kaye as its new General Manager. With a strong background in mechanical and design engineering, coupled with years of industry leadership, Michael brings both expertise and a fresh perspective to this long-standing trade association and educational charity. 

Graduating from Nottingham Trent University with a degree in mechanical engineering, Michael began his career as a design engineer at APV Baker PMC where he honed his technical skills before moving into leadership roles across various industries. His career spans sectors including textile testing instrumentation and bulk materials handling, where he earned a reputation for fostering innovation, building effective teams, and driving business growth. At Flexco, where he also served as General Manager, Michael led initiatives that not only grew the business but also set new benchmarks for industry standards.

In addition to his professional achievements, Michael has also been deeply involved in association work where, as a long-time member and former president of the Materials Handling Engineers Association (MHEA), he gained valuable experience in bringing members together, organising impactful events, and promoting technical excellence, skills that align perfectly with the CEA’s mission. 

Commenting on behalf of the CEA, President Mick Casey shared his thoughts on Michael’s appointment: “We are thrilled to welcome Michael as our new General Manager. His leadership comes at a pivotal time for the CEA as we navigate changes across the combustion-related sectors, and his vision for enhancing member engagement and promoting sustainable practices will undoubtedly strengthen our role in the industry.”. 

Michael himself expressed enthusiasm for his new role: “The energy sector is undergoing significant transformation as we tackle challenges including the adoption of alternative fuels, decarbonisation and achieving net-zero goals. I see the CEA playing a key role in driving these conversations and supporting our members with practical solutions. Together, we’ll focus on alternative fuels, energy efficiency, and sustainable practices.”. 

One of Michael’s immediate priorities is overseeing the CEA’s transition into a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). He also aims to expand training programs such as the Boiler Operation Accreditation Scheme (BOAS) while building stronger connections with academic institutions to nurture future talent in combustion engineering. 

Under his leadership, the CEA also plans to reinvigorate its events calendar with site visits, networking opportunities, and conferences designed to deliver real value to members. The first of these initiatives – a site visit to James Cropper’s paper mill scheduled for February 2025 – will combine technical insights with opportunities for collaboration. 

For further information on CEA initiatives or membership opportunities, visit www.cea.org.uk, email info@cea.org.uk, or call 01740 625538.