Rod's specialism is the tribology of cylinder components operating in hostile environments and the logistics of their worldwide marketing and distribution. He has held senior roles with T&N plc, Associated Engineering Ltd, and GKN plc in Europe, North America and Asia; and more recently CEO of QH Group.

He was educated at The Leys School and then read Mechanical Sciences at St Catharine's College, Cambridge. He served 15 years with The Queens Own Mercian Yeomanry, and presently Chairman of The Leys School Committee of Governors. He is compiling and publishing the musical works of Ken Naylor, best known as composer of the popular hymn tune, 'Coe Fen'.