King’s Birthday Honours for three at AWE

Three people from AWE Nuclear Security Technologies feature in the King’s Birthday Honours List.

Professor Andrew Randewich CBE (for Services to Nuclear Defence)

John Whitaker OBE (for Services to Nuclear Defence)

Giles Hartill MBE (for Services to Engineering)

Professor Randewich CBE is AWE’s Executive Director of Science and leads our outstanding Science community. Appointed as a visiting Professor at Imperial College London in 2012, he is a Chartered Physicist, a Chartered Engineer, a Fellow of the Institute of Physics and a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering.

Andrew joined AWE in 1997; his work in has included physics assessment, mathematical modelling, code development and research on space and DT laser plasmas.

John Whitaker OBE has retired only recently after nearly 50 years supporting the UK’s nuclear deterrent. A mechanical engineer at AWE since 1979, John worked on world-leading technologies to preserve the credibility of the UK’s nuclear deterrent.

His work inspired ongoing developments which continue to assure the viability of the UK’s nuclear deterrent and in developing the next generation of nuclear defence engineers.

Giles Hartill MBE was recognised for his services to engineering, including his charitable work for the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) of which he is a Fellow and Past President (2023/24).

Giles is currently AWE’s Chief Technologist. He joined AWE in 2003, as a graduate engineer, becoming a Chartered Engineer and gaining a Distinction in his MSc at Loughborough University.

Giles also features on the Royal Academy of Engineering and Transport for London’s themed Engineering Icons Tube map, at Southwark Station on the Jubilee Line, for his contributions to military and defence.

AWE’s Chief Executive Officer, Nick Elliott, said:

“I am delighted that Andrew, John and Giles’ contribution has been recognised with national awards in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours list this year. Their work plays a hugely significant role in protecting the UK and our allies, not just here at AWE but also nationally and internationally.

“We are privileged to be able to work alongside colleagues like Andrew, Giles and John. They represent the best of what we do here at AWE and their recognition is a reflection of both their own achievements and that of the company.  Not only have they made a direct and ongoing contribution to strategic deterrence, but their leadership and mentoring of the next generation of scientists and engineers, will help to maintain that for decades to come.

Congratulations to Andrew, John and Giles.”