A run down of the latest appointments for April.
Ali Aleali, FireVu
Fire detection solution provider FireVu has added to its business development team with the appointment of Ali Aleali as new business development manager.
Aleali moves from parent company AD Group where he served as training and communications specialist. His new role will see him concentrate on the petrochemical, chemicals, food and drink processing industries.
Pauline Norstrom, chief Operating officer of AD Group, said: “Ali possesses extensive business development experience in the chemicals, food and drinks industries as well as strong academic credentials, including lecturing up to degree level, in industrial chemicals and food production applications.
“VDS is a proven technology with great potential and Ali’s appointment will further help FireVu realise ambitious goals for 2014 and beyond.”
Andrew Rose, Birley
Sheffield-based manufacturing company Birley has appointed Andrew Rose to the newly created post of head of project delivery.
Birley Manufacturing, which specialises in the design and manufacture of bespoke and roll out equipment for the retail, industrial, rail and education sectors, achieved a turnover of over £10m in 2013.
Mr Rose brings a wealth of technical expertise and experience in managing multi-million pound infrastructure and redevelopment projects.
He previously worked for high profile construction firms managing multi-disciplinary teams and working with strategic partners at various sites throughout the UK.
Birley’s managing director Steve English said: “We have clear growth objectives at Birley and that means we need experienced managers like Andrew on board to help us achieve this. Andrew will play a crucial role in ensuring our customers receive the highest possible standard of service delivery.”
Carl Perrin, Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME)
Coventry University and Unipart have appointed Carl Perrin as director for the recently established Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME).
Located at Unipart’s Foleshill site in Coventry, Mr Perrin will help orchestrate the new £32m initiative which aims to develop the next generation of engineers and operational leaders by providing up to 40 students every year with direct access to Unipart’s operations.
Mr Perrin, who is a chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, had previously worked for Rolls-Royce on a joint venture in Nottingham.
John Latham, acting vice-chancellor of Coventry University, believes Mr Perrin’s experience in the sector will provide a great benefit to both students and R&D activities.
“It will be a different model for developing engineering talent and we are confident that bringing the teaching and research environment on to the factory floor will generate a unique experience for students and fresh thinking for industry,” he said.
Fergus Clark, Picodeon
Coating technology specialist Picodeon appointed Fergus Clarke as its chief executive officer.
The appointment of Mr Clarke, with over 25 years of global high technology management experience, coincides with the company experiencing strong interest from OEMs in Battery, LED, Optical, and Life Science applications.
Nikolay Danilov, chairman of the board, at Picodeon, said: “We are delighted to have Fergus Clarke join our team. Fergus’ depth of leadership experience at Applied Materials and smaller high growth companies will be important as Picodeon grows its business to meet the demand from our customer base.”
Ann Soar, Midlands Asset Finance
Midlands Asset Finance has appointed Ann Soar as its new business development manager.
With extensive experience in arranging asset finance, Ann joins the team after 12 years at Close Asset Finance in Burton-on Trent, where she worked as part of its transport & engineering division.
Ann will use her industry expertise in the transport sector to create new business opportunities for the Nottingham-based firm which specialises in arranging various types of asset finance and property funding for business.
Company director, Sue Chapman, said: “With her experience, Ann will be an extremely valuable addition to the team and will enable us to expand our operations further in this sector.”
Peter Lawton, SMMT
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has appointed Peter Lawton as its aftermarket development manager.
After nearly 15 years as an automotive journalist and the last three years as Editor of CAT (Car and Accessory Trader) magazine, Mr Lawson will take up his new role later this month.
He replaces Wendy Williamson, who is joining the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) as chief executive.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “The aftermarket is one of the most diverse and dynamic business areas we have in the UK automotive industry. Peter’s existing relationships with the sector and knowledge of the issues it faces will allow SMMT to enhance its aftermarket activities and offer an ever-improving service to our members.”
Darren Golder, Allen Coder
Allen Coding has promoted Darren Golder to sales engineer, where he will be responsible for driving growth across the southern regions.
The manufacturer of marking and coding equipment for the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, chemical, cosmetic and DIY markets, promoted Golder from his role as an in-house service engineer.
Steve Ryan, Allen Coding’s UK sales & OEM manager, said: “His technical ability and product knowledge combined with natural customer relationship skills made a move into sales the natural next step for him.
“We look forward to expanding existing business, developing new markets and building the Allen Coding brand in the South of the country.”
Gunnar Skagerlind, Siemens Financial Services
Siemens’ Financial Services unit (SFS) has appointed Gunnar Skagerlind as sales leader for industry sector in the Nordic region, covering Sweden, Finland, Norway and Denmark.
Skagerlind has been brought in to further develop the market for equipment finance in the Nordic industrial sector and will be responsible for establishing strategic partnerships with equipment vendors and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in industry, construction and transport.
He brings a wide range of experience from previous company Société Générale, where he worked as Nordic sales manager for the industry market for over five years.
Commenting on his appointment, Skagerlind said: “This is an exciting market with strong growth potential for finance as demand for specialized industrial equipment is rising in both domestic and foreign markets.
“I am delighted to be spearheading these market developments with a financier that really understands the industrial sector.”
