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Carl Hunter OBE

Chairman

Coltraco Ultrasonics

London, UK

Carl Hunter

Carl Hunter’s Biography

Professor Carl Stephen Patrick Hunter OBE is Chairman of Coltraco Ultrasonics and Director-General of the Durham Institute of Research, Development & Invention. He also serves as Director of the Centre for Underwater Acoustic Analysis for the Royal Navy, the Centre for Strategic Electromagnetic Spectrum Research, and the Strategic-Potential Artificial Intelligence Group. In addition, he is Director-General of the National Strategic Research Group at Pembroke College, Oxford, as well as the Economic Futures Group and the Defence & Security Innovation Unit.

His company, Coltraco Ultrasonics, is a UK-based manufacturer of ultrasonic and acoustic technologies with a strong export profile. The company has twice won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

DIRDI is an independent scientific research institute operating in partnership with Durham University. It brings together 500 senior scientific Fellows from leading UK universities, supported by over 100 Visiting Fellows from academia, government, the armed forces, and industry. Its work spans naval and national security science, geostrategic... Professor Carl Stephen Patrick Hunter OBE is Chairman of Coltraco Ultrasonics and Director-General of the Durham Institute of Research, Development & Invention. He also serves as Director of the Centre for Underwater Acoustic Analysis for the Royal Navy, the Centre for Strategic Electromagnetic Spectrum Research, and the Strategic-Potential Artificial Intelligence Group. In addition, he is Director-General of the National Strategic Research Group at Pembroke College, Oxford, as well as the Economic Futures Group and the Defence & Security Innovation Unit.

His company, Coltraco Ultrasonics, is a UK-based manufacturer of ultrasonic and acoustic technologies with a strong export profile. The company has twice won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

DIRDI is an independent scientific research institute operating in partnership with Durham University. It brings together 500 senior scientific Fellows from leading UK universities, supported by over 100 Visiting Fellows from academia, government, the armed forces, and industry. Its work spans naval and national security science, geostrategic support for senior policymakers, and UK civil science.

Dr Hunter is Professor-in-Practice at Durham University and holds an Honorary Doctorate of Science from the institution. He is a Distinguished Research Fellow at the Changing Character of War Research Centre, Pembroke College, Oxford, and a Visiting Fellow at the Royal Navy Strategic Studies Centre. He is Chairman of the Council on Geostrategy Forum and its Whitehall Briefings series, and also advises several UK Government departments.

He is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, the Royal Institution of Naval Architects, and the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology, and a member of the Bank of England’s Greater London agent network and its Decision Maker Panel.

Earlier in his career, he held senior international roles in the aviation engineering sector and served as an officer in The Greenjackets. READ MORE VIEW LESS

Carl Hunter’s Newsfeed

GOV.UK

Business leaders welcome the UK-India Free Trade Agreement

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Britain's World

How should Britain define asymmetric advantage?

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Carl Hunter’s Background

Coltraco Ultrasonics

Chairman

1991 - Present

London, UK

Coltraco Ultrasonics is a UK sovereign manufacturer of ultrasonic and acoustic instrumentation, exporting to customers in over 120 countries. The company also provides engineering, scientific, and artificial intelligence services. It operates as an integrated research-to-manufacturing organisation, comprising the company, its national research institute, and several specialised research centres. Coltraco is developing a UK sovereign strategic sensor capability across ultrasonic, acoustic, non-acoustic, electromagnetic, and mechanical technologies, while also exploring quantum and AI-enabled measurement systems.

Durham Institute of Research, Development & Invention (DIRDI)

Director-General

2021 - Present

Durham, UK

The Durham Institute of Research, Development, and Invention (DIRDI) is an interdisciplinary scientific research institute founded independently and in partnership with Durham University by Coltraco Ltd. It brings together academics and industry professionals from various disciplines, delivering scientific freedom and world-changing innovation.

The Centre for Underwater Acoustic Analysis (CUAA)

Director

2021 - Present

Durham, UK

The Centre for Underwater Acoustic Analysis (CUAA), housed within DIRDI, conducts research on the underwater behaviour of sound, as well as the informational techniques used to process received acoustic signals, in order to inform the development and optimisation of novel submarine acoustic technologies.

The National Strategic Research Group (NSRG)

Director-General

2025 - Present

Oxford, UK

Convening the UK’s finest minds to deliver fast, synthesised, and practical answers to complex questions for national strategy—giving policymakers time-effective access to the leading edge of research.

The Defence & Security Innovation Unit (DSIU)

Director-General

2025 - Present

London, UK

The Defence and Security Innovation Unit (DSIU) accelerates high-impact technologies for UK Defence and National Security by integrating world-class research, rapid prototyping, and sovereign manufacturing. It provides an end-to-end pathway, from idea to deployable capability, that closes the UK’s longstanding gap between research excellence and deployed technology.

The Centre for Strategic EMS Research

Director

2025 - Present

Cambridge, UK

The mission of CSEMSR is to support the UK Government to identify, advance, and develop fundamental electromagnetic capabilities to deliver strategic advantage in the electromagnetic domain.

TIMCO Aviation Services

Managing Director International Markets

2006 - 2015

Carl was MD, International Markets at TIMCO Aviation Services, a maintenance, repair and overhaul organisation servicing Boeing and Airbus aircraft.

United Airlines

Senior Advisor International Markets

2000 - 2005

Carl acted as Senior Advisor International Markets to the CMO and CEO of United Services/United Airlines, the world's lead operator of wide-body aircraft.

Royal Green Jackets

Captain

1985 - 1990

Carl Hunter served in the Royal Green Jackets in Northern Ireland and overseas. The Royal Green Jackets was an infantry regiment of the British Army formed in 1966. In 2007 the Regiment amalgamated with others to form ‘The Rifles’.

Baring Brothers & Co

Trainee - International Asset Management

1980 - 1981

London, UK

Baring Brothers & Co. (Barings Bank) was founded in 1762 by Francis Baring. The bank was a British merchant bank based in London and one of the country's oldest merchant banks.

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Carl Hunter’s Gallery

Carl Hunter OBE in his office wearing a navy suit.

Carl Hunter OBE sitting in his office holding a cup of tea.

Carl Hunter OBE speaking at an event.

Carl Hunter OBE outside of 10 Downing Street.

Photo of Carl Hunter

Photo of Carl Hunter

Carl Hunter OBE after receiving his Honorary Doctorate of Science from Durham University.

Carl Hunter OBE at a British Exporters Group event.

Carl Hunter in Mount Street Gardens December 2022

Carl Hunter OBE in his office wearing a navy suit.

Carl Hunter OBE sitting in his office holding a cup of tea.

Carl Hunter OBE speaking at an event.

Carl Hunter OBE outside of 10 Downing Street.

Photo of Carl Hunter

Photo of Carl Hunter

Carl Hunter OBE after receiving his Honorary Doctorate of Science from Durham University.

Carl Hunter OBE at a British Exporters Group event.

Carl Hunter in Mount Street Gardens December 2022

Current Board Positions

Council on Geostrategy

Advisory Board Member

Feb 2021 - Present

London, UK

The Council on Geostrategy is a non-profit organisation that focuses on a global environment increasingly defined by geopolitical rivalries and environmental crises. Carl is Chairman of the Council on Geostrategy Forums.

Bank of England

Decision-Making Panel Member & Greater London Agent

2018 - Present

London, UK

The Bank of England, the world's eighth-oldest bank, is the central bank of the United Kingdom and the model on which most modern central banks are based.

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Previous Board Positions

The British Exporters Association (BExA)

Chairman

May 2022 - May 2024

London, UK

The British Exporters Association (BExA) is a non-profit trade association that supports the interests of exporters in the United Kingdom. A long-term member, Carl served as Chairman from May 2022 until May 2024.

The Federation of Small Businesses

Chair of the Manufacturing Policy Unit

2020 - 2024

Founded in 1974 as The National Federation of Self-Employed, The Federation of Small Business adopted its new name in 1991. The organisation represents small and medium-sized enterprises across the United Kingdom.

Previous Advisory Roles

IHS Markit's Purchasing Managers' Index

Panel Member

2020 - 2024

Philanthropy

The Professor CSP Hunter Scholarships

Sponsor

Dec 2022 - Dec 2025

London, UK

Dr Carl Hunter OBE has generously funded 10 annual scholarships which are aimed at early career researchers, and pay for membership of the Heythrop Library.

Media

Switch Your Money On Podcast

Podcast Panelist

Feb 2022

London, UK

Carl discusses the opportunity that China represents for trade in this podcast episode of Switch Your Money On – China in Your Plans.

Modern Slavery in the Maritime Sector

Oct 2021

Carl Hunter OBE, Chairman of Coltraco Ultrasonics, talked to Ince Group, a global maritime law firm about the Eradication of Modern Slavery at Sea.

The Lemonade Principle

Durham University Business School's podcast

Jul 2021

Durham, UK

Chris Roberts, host of The Lemonade Principle podcast, invited Carl Hunter OBE to talk about how Coltraco Ultrasonics developed into an award-winning, high-export company.

Overseas Expansion: How important is it to have boots on the ground? EBL2021

Panelist

Mar 2021

London, UK

Carl and fellow panellists at Elite Business Live highlight the value of having a physical presence in an international market, as well as some considerations to make before expanding your business internationally.

Bribery Act 2010 - House of Lords

Witness

Sep 2018

London, UK

Carl presents his testimony to the House of Lords during the Bribery Act 2010 proceedings. Lord Saville was Chair of the Committee.

Department for International Trade Interviews Carl Hunter, CEO Coltraco Ultrasonics

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Interviews

Advancing UK Innovation, Sustainability, and Global Trade

Interviewee

Dec 2024

Dr. Carl Hunter shares insights into Coltraco Ultrasonics’ work in safety-critical sectors; the UK’s post-Brexit trade landscape; and the company’s approach to innovation in AI and IoT.

How British Standards Play a Wider Role in Relation to the Integrated Review

May 2022

At the 2022 Fire Buyer Live Conference Carl Hunter OBE gave a video address on British Standards playing a wider role for fire safety worldwide, in relation to the Integrated Review.

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Features

UK Government: The UK's Trade Strategy

Mentioned

Jun 2025

London, UK

Dr Carl Hunter and Coltraco are mentioned on page 49 of the DBT Trade Strategy.

Publications

UK Parliament Defence Committee: The UK contribution to European Security

Written evidence submitted by Dr Carl Stephen Patrick Hunter OBE

Jan 2025

London, UK

Maritime Britain in the 21st Century

Contributor

Apr 2024

Dr Carl Hunter wrote a chapter of “Maritime Britain in the 21st Century”, a book produced by the Royal Navy Strategic Studies Centre with a foreword by the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Ben Key KCB CBE.

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Memberships

The International Institute for Strategic Studies

Member

May 2022 - Present

London, UK

The IISS is an internationally recognised authority on political risk, global security and military conflict.

The British Exporters Association (BExA)

Member

2018 - Present

London, UK

BExA is a British national trade association representing the interests of the exporting community. Carl joined the association's Council in May 2019 as Head of Government Relations and stepped into the role of Chairman in May 2022.

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Awards & Recognition

Top Durham Alumni Board Chairs

Nominee

Dec 2022

Carl Hunter was voted one of the top 50 University of Durham graduates in a Corporate Governance Chair role.

Queen's Award for Enterprise (International Trade)

Winner (Coltraco)

May 2022

London, UK

Three years after winning their first Queen’s Award for Enterprise, Coltraco Ultrasonics has joined the small group of businesses who have won a second.

Dunelmensis Award

Award Recipient

2021

Durham, UK

The Dunelmensis Award is an honour bestowed by Durham University’s Senate upon alumni who have provided meritorious and exceptional service to the University, particularly through advancing its institutional development and enhancing its national and international reputation.

Heathrow's Global Britain Business Champions

Award Recipient (Coltraco)

2021

London, UK

Heathrow Airport's Global Britain Business Champions competition celebrates companies that represent the best of British quality, innovation, technology or design, and have contributed to the country's continued economic growth.

Innovate UK

Technology plan deemed 'outstanding' for COVID19 work

2020

Queen's Birthday Honours

Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Jun 2019

London, UK

The Queen's Birthday Honours List honours persons from throughout the United Kingdom for their achievements. Carl was awarded an OBE for Services to Business and International Trade.

Queen's Award for Enterprise (International Trade)

Award Recipient (Coltraco)

2019

London, UK

The Queen’s Award for Enterprise (now known as the King’s Awards for Enterprise) is the United Kingdom’s highest official accolade for British businesses, recognizing exceptional achievements in international trade, innovation, sustainable development, and promoting opportunity through social mobility.

BExA Lifetime Achievement Award

Recipient

Oct 2019

London, UK

Carl was the recipient of the inaugural BExA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019, honouring his critical role and significant contribution to UK exports. The award seeks to recognise a person who has provided exceptional service to the UK exporting community, has inspired and developed others to achieve international success, and has served as a role model to their peers.

Honorary Doctorate of Science

Honorary DSc

2016

Durham, UK

Carl was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Science from Durham University for his contribution to the Durham Institute for Research, Development & Invention.

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Public Service

Ministry of Defence

London Veterans Pension & Advisory Committee

Mar 2021 - Present

London, UK

Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy

SME Action Group

Feb 2021 - Present

London, UK

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Academic Appointments

The Changing Character of War (CCW) Centre

Senior Research Fellow

Aug 2024 - Present

Oxford, UK

The Strategy, Statecraft, and Technology (Changing Character of War) Centre is an interdisciplinary research centre dedicated to the study and evaluation of strategy, statecraft, the impact of technological change, and the character and nature of armed conflict. It is part of the University of Oxford and based at Pembroke College.

Speaking Engagements

The National Physical Laboratory's Senior Science College Meeting

Speaker

Jan 2026

Teddington, UK

Centre for Geopolitics: Indo-Pacific Roundtable

Speaker

May 2025

Cambridge, UK

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Charitable Interests

St. George's Hanover Square Primary School

Governor

London, UK

St George's Hanover Square Church of England Primary School provides a distinctively Christian education in a welcoming setting. The school strives to provide challenging learning opportunities while encouraging achievement in all areas and nurturing social, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Fellowships

Royal Aeronautical Society

Fellow (Member since 2012)

Aug 2022 - Present

London, UK

The Royal Aeronautical Society, founded in 1866, is a multidisciplinary professional organisation dedicated to the global aerospace community.

Royal Navy Strategic Studies Centre

Visiting Fellow

2022 - Present

The Royal Navy Strategic Studies Centre (RNSSC), founded in December 2019, a hub for academic and intellectual engagement that harnesses both internal and external expertise to inform and strengthen naval strategy, policy, and critical decision-making.

Durham Institute of Research, Development & Invention (DIRDI)

Founding Fellow

2021 - Present

Durham, UK

Carl is a Founding Fellow of DIRDI, a research institute established by Coltraco in collaboration with Durham University.

Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA)

Fellow & Former Trustee

2015 - Present

London, UK

The Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) is a global organisation that represents naval architects. Its members are involved at all levels in the design, construction, repair, and operation of ships, boats, and marine structures all over the world. Carl is also a former trustee of the institution.

The Nautical Institute

Associate Fellow

2015 - Present

London, UK

The Nautical Institute, founded in 1971, is an international professional association for marine professionals.

Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology

Fellow

2014 - Present

London, UK

The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology is a global membership organisation and learned society for marine professionals working in the fields of marine engineering, science and technology.

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Carl Hunter’s Education

Royal Military Academy Sandhurst

1985 - 1985

Durham University

1981 - 1984