New CEO appointed at Sheffield Forgemasters

Posted on 1 Feb 2024 by The Manufacturer

Sheffield Forgemasters has appointed a new CEO to oversee increasing defence output and a substantial recapitalisation programme.

This has been announced following the news that former boss, David Bond, plans to step down.

Gary Nutter will take up his position in March and brings significant experience of global business leadership, most recently serving as CEO and Director of aerospace engineering group, RLC Aerospace Ltd. He also held positions at Kongsberg Marine Ltd and Rolls-Royce Plc.

Sir Tim Fraser, Chair at Sheffield Forgemasters, said: “The appointment of Gary as the new CEO comes at a time of unprecedented change in the company’s history.

“Gary will join a strong and highly experienced Board of Directors to deliver a site-wide recapitalisation programme which was launched in 2021 and is now taking physical shape as we prepare the site for new, large-scale manufacturing facilities, unmatched within the UK.

“We will soon bid a fond farewell to David Bond, who concludes his secondment to the Board from BAE Systems and thank him for his exemplary management of the company’s transition from employee ownership to Government ownership and subsequent investment.”

An entirely new 25,000 square metre machining facility is now being planned at the company’s Brightside Lane site, which will work in tandem with a 13,000 tonne forging press to service an increase in demand for the company’s UK defence production.

Sir Tim added: “Gary Nutter brings an impressive track record of top-level management and understanding of global business operations, which will be vital to delivering the scope of change required at Sheffield Forgemasters and ensuring that the company’s defence and commercial market demands are met.”

Gary is an experienced senior leader, having performed roles as CEO, Chairman and Board Director in both large and medium companies spanning different industries, including automotive, aerospace, and marine.

He has led multiple key businesses, including a US$1bn aerospace services business with 840 people in Singapore, through to a Marine Operations leadership role, leading seven sites across five countries.

Gary has lived and worked in the UK, Italy, Singapore, and Norway and held direct responsibilities for companies in UK, Norway, Sweden, Singapore, Brazil, Poland & Finland.


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