A run down of the latest appointments in the manufacturing world throughout the month of January.
David Wright, Made in the Midlands
Made in the Midlands has appointed David Wright as its non-executive chairman, a new role created to benefit the organisation’s membership.
Mr Wright is formerly head of operations at the Morgan Motor Company, chief executive when the Manufacturing Advisory Service launched in the West Midlands and is currently director, strategic developments at Coventry University.
The role will include chairing the Made in the Midlands AGM and council meetings and speaking at events including the MIM annual exhibition and awards ceremony.
MIM managing director Jason Pitt said of the appointment: “This is a great coup for us and builds on the momentum that we have created recently. David’s experience speaks for itself and our organisation as a whole will benefit greatly from his appointment.”
Stephen Ray, Dunlop Aircraft Tyres
Stephen Ray has joined Birmingham-based Dunlop Aircraft Tyres as its financial director.
Mr Ray replaces Oliver Burns, who worked at the company for six years. Before moving to Dunlop, he spent 13 years at LINPAC Group, a producer of plastic packaging for the retail, catering, manufacturing, packing and food sectors.
In his most recent role at LINPAC, Mr Ray was group chief financial officer of the £1bn turnover business.
“We’re delighted to welcome Stephen at an exciting time for the business,” said Dunlop Aircraft Tyres’ chairman, Ian Edmondson.
“Dunlop’s commitment to product development and geographic expansion has paid dividends and the company continues to grow in many sectors, including regional airliners and military transport aircraft.”
Alan Murray, BSIF
The BSIF announced that its Federation Council has appointed Alan Murray as its new Chief Executive Officer to succeed the retiring David Lummis.
Mr Murray comes to the BSIF with many years’ experience working in the safety industry. An experienced senior manager, he has worked in a number of organisations including Marigold, MG Safety and Scott Safety and brings a wide range of experience in both the manufacturing and distribution sectors.
Sarah Bridge, BSIF Federation Council chair, commented on the appointment: “Alan’s experience has brought him into close contact with manufacturers, users, BSIF members and other industry stakeholders and we are confident that he will lead the BSIF into the future.”
Matt Bristow, BMW UK
Matt Bristow has been appointed as the new general manager, corporate sales for BMW UK, succeeding Steve Chater, who has general manager of product and market planning.
Mr Bristow, a Chartered Accountant, moves to the role having served as general manager of used cars and internal sales since 2010. He possesses over thirteen years experience operating at a senior management level for BMW Group in the UK in financial, operational and sales roles.
Commenting on the appointment, Richard Hudson, sales director for BMW UK, said: “Matt brings with him a wealth of experience in retail financial services and leasing and will be working directly with our corporate customers and leasing companies as we enter a period of growth through exciting new model launches.”
Marcus Bryson, ADS
ADS, the aerospace, defence, security and space trade organisation, has announced Marcus Bryson will become its president for the next two years.
Mr Bryson will take up the role alongside his position as CEO of GKN Aerospace and Land Systems and that of co-chair of the successful and strategically important Aerospace Growth Partnership.
He takes over the ADS presidency from Robin Southwell, CEO of Airbus UK who held the position for two years.
Paul Everitt, chief executive of ADS Group, said of the appointment: “Marcus’ industrial experience and strong governmental relationships will be an asset to ADS as we look to strengthen the economic importance of UK aerospace, defence, security and space industries throughout 2014 and beyond.”
Jason Price, Isotrak
Isotrak has appointed Jason Price as sales and marketing director as part of its push to expand global sales and expand into new markets.
Mr Price, who has worked for a host of global IT firms, joins as Isotrak expands overseas having launched in North America last year. The Milton-Keynes based company is also expanding into new markets as demand for telematics grows in areas such as the utilities and service industry.
The company’s UK managing director Greville Coe said of the appointment: “Jason brings valuable skills and knowledge to Isotrak. We needed someone with a real depth of experience and drive to spearhead our ambitious growth plans over the next few years.”
Judith Hackitt CBE, The High Value Manufacturing Catapult
The High Value Manufacturing Catapult, which stimulates and supports the commercial application of new technologies, has appointed Judith Hackitt CBE as non-executive director to its Supervisory Board.
Hackitt is currently chair of the Health and Safety Executive, responsible for all UK policy on workplace health and safety regulation, as well as president of the Institution of Chemical Engineers.
After establishing a reputation as a leader and strong communicator, influencer and advocate, she was also awarded a CBE in 2006 for services to Health and Safety.
Bob Gilbert, chair of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult Supervisory Board, said: “Judith will be able to make a valuable contribution to the workings of the board, both with her experience in dealing with Government and her considerable experience in the Chemical Processing Industry.”
Jerry DeMuro, BAE Systems
BAE Systems, Europe’s largest defence company, has appointed Jerry DeMuro to run its $12bn U.S. operation.
He replaces Linda Hudson, who announced plans to retire in August, as president and chief executive officer and will begin the role from the 1st February.
DeMuro was previously executive vice president and corporate vice president at General Dynamics, overseeing the Information Systems and Technology unit, after joining the defence contractor in 1999.
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Arjun Mirdha, JCB
JCB has appointed Arjun Mirdha as its new North American CEO, following the retirement of the long serving John Patterson CBE.
Mirdha joined JCB in 1996 and through his 17 years with the company has gained experience in various roles that include dealer development, parts, service, sales, marketing and new product development. He has also held various management positions in the UK, India and North America.
His predecessor will remain in the company he has worked for since 1971 as a group director and chairman of the board of the JCB USA companies.
Patterson said of his successor’s appointment: “Throughout his career at JCB, Arjun has provided key guidance and leadership, spearheading many successful initiatives that have led to revenue growth and promotion of the JCB brand.”
“His new role will be pivotal to our continued success here in North America.”
Mark Eastwood, Natwest
Mark Eastwood has been appointed Natwest’s head of manufacturing for commercial banking, looking after businesses in the SME market.
He joins Peter Russell, head of manufacturing for corporate and institutional banking, who looks after larger scale businesses in the industry.
Mr Eastwood has been in the banking sector for around 25 years and with the RBS Group for 10 where he has worked predominately within the SME market place.
His colleague Mr Russell said of the appointment: “After a challenging few years the sector is showing some real signs of growth and I am looking forward to working with Mark in further strengthening our position as the bank who really understands the needs of manufacturers and supporting their ambition of achieving sustainable growth.”
Richard Hall, Schaeffler UK
Bearings and automotive component and systems supplier Schaeffler has appointed Richard Hall as President Industrial for the UK & Ireland.
Mr Hall takes over from Kate Hartigan and her president industrial responsibilities following her retirement in 2013.
He joined Schaeffler in 1995 and has managed sales, marketing, engineering, customer services and logistics functions in both the Industrial and Automotive Sales divisions.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr Hall said: “Based on a solid foundation of technological leadership and strong customer relationships, we have a real opportunity to take the Industrial Division further in both our growing Industrial Aftermarket business and also a number of key OEM sectors.”
Alena Useinovic, Schaeffler UK
Replacing Richard Hall at Schaeffler UK is Alena Useinovic, who has been appointed vice president of Automotive at the company.
In the last 10 years, Alena has held various sales and business development roles for the Tier One supplier.
Based in both Germany and the UK, Alena has experience of working closely with customers such as Ford, BMW, GM and Mercedes.
Her predecessor in the role said of the appointment: “I am really proud of the UK Automotive team and the business that we have developed over the past six years. I am confident that Alena’s appointment will help Schaeffler UK further strengthen its relationships with our OEM and Tier One customers.”
