Warwick Acoustics Names Gary Waters CEO, Succeeding Dr Mike Grant as Adviser

Gary Waters has been appointed chief executive of Warwick Acoustics, succeeding Dr Mike Grant, who will remain an adviser to the board. The audio technology company, backed by Mercia Asset Management and partnered with JLR, announced the appointment on November 6, 2026, Insidermedia reported.

Waters Moves From Board Seat to Chief Executive

Waters has a long association with Warwick Acoustics, having held a non-executive director role on the board for ten years. He brings a 40-year career at senior levels in the technology, automotive and consumer electronics sectors, with previous senior executive positions at Bose and Delphi Automotive Systems, and more recently the chief executive role at 4moms.

"I am extremely excited to be appointed as the new CEO of Warwick Acoustics, a business I have been proud to serve as a non-executive director for a decade," Waters said. "Now that we are entering the exciting next phase of growth, with our world-first electrostatic automotive audio systems now in production, this is the perfect time to be taking the helm of such an ambitious organisation."

Waters succeeds Dr Mike Grant, who led development of the company's technology over the last ten years and brought the world's first electrostatic audio system into production. Grant will continue as an adviser to the board. Chairman Ian Harnett said the board would like to thank Mike for his vision and leadership in building Warwick Acoustics over the last decade, adding that his insight, skill and commitment shaped the company from a start-up into the technology leader it is today.

This year Warwick Acoustics secured a partnership with JLR, launching its electrostatic audio system, branded SV Electrostatic Sound, in Range Rover SV models now rolling off the production line in Solihull. Waters said the company will continue to invest in innovation with its electrostatic automotive in-cabin audio technologies.

Mercia's Stake and Funding Behind the JLR Partnership

According to akta.pro company records, Warwick Acoustics closed a £6.4 million equity funding round in June 2026, with £7.5 million total anticipated, to support the JLR partnership, a transition to new production facilities and recruitment. Mercia Asset Management invested £700,000 for a 26.2% fully diluted stake. The same records list the JLR partnership as the company's first production OEM partnership, with the electrostatic audio technology launched in the new Range Rover SV Ultra.

Waters Sets Out Investment Priorities

Waters said the opportunities ahead are exciting and that the company will continue to invest in innovation with its disruptive and revolutionary electrostatic automotive in-cabin audio technologies. He added that Warwick Acoustics is already a world leader in electrostatics and will continue to demonstrate the excellence for which it is rapidly gaining a global reputation.