About Rod Haines
Helping teams cut through complexity, accelerate progress and turn innovation into results.
With over 20 years’ experience, I help organisations move faster and think clearer by combining structured innovation methods with practical delivery experience. My work blends technical depth with collaborative, human‑centred methods to help teams unlock ideas, align on priorities and build real world solutions.
I’ve supported organisations in healthcare, sustainability, FMCG, industrial and consumer sectors, helping cross‑functional teams make sense of difficult problems, gain alignment and make confident decisions. Based in Cambridge, UK, I work with organisations across the UK and internationally.
My Approach
Structured
I bring proven methods and tools that help teams gain clarity quickly, whether defining a challenge, running workshops or guiding sprint cycles. My background includes driving front‑end innovation for over 50 projects and delivering patented systems and technologies.
Collaborative
Effective innovation happens when people contribute, feel heard and work together. I specialise in aligning cross‑functional teams, building momentum and helping leaders activate their organisations around common outcomes. This includes running tailored interactive workshops and virtual collaboration sessions in Miro.
Practical
My work is grounded in real‑world delivery, from developing early concepts through to working prototypes and solutions. I help teams identify what matters, cut through noise and focus on the next clear step.
Experience & Expertise
20+ years leading innovation
Across healthcare, sustainability, FMCG, industrial and consumer sectors
50+ innovation projects delivered
From early-stage concept development through to working prototypes and systems
Technical depth where it counts
Chartered Engineer, Fellow of the IMechE, and named inventor on 12 patents
Building capability, not just solutions
Helping organisations embed tools, ways of working and long-term innovation capability
Shaping strategy & alignment
Helping leaders shape innovation strategy, align stakeholders and build the teams needed to turn ambition into execution
What Clients Say
“Rod brings structure, rigour and insight to the innovation process.”
Gavin Bown, Chief Technology Officer
“Rod is a master at helping leaders and teams embrace the unknown.”
Chris Walters, Transformation Leadership & Strategy Activation
“Rod’s mix of patience, structure and strategic insight made a real impact.”
Pamela Nabeta, Global Clinical Trials Leader
“Rod’s ability to create structure from chaos is amazing.”
Duncan Shearman, FMCG Product Development Director
“Rod never fails to deliver what was asked of him and often also delivers what we didn't know we needed.”
Andrew Bufton, Research & Development Director
Client perspective
"Rod has the unique ability to foster an inclusive, collaborative space that allowed our cross-disciplinary team to articulate our vision and strategy, and align on key strategic goals.”
Anita Suresh, Diagnostics & Genomics Strategy Leader
Why I Do This
Innovation doesn’t move forward through process alone, it happens when people gain clarity, build confidence and act together with intent. I’m energised by helping teams cut through complexity, unlock ideas and turn them into meaningful outcomes.
Ready to Move Your Innovation Forward?
Whether you need clarity on a challenge, alignment across a team or support turning ideas into actionable concepts, I’d be happy to help.