A round up of appointments in the manufacturing sector in October 2013.
Chris Ford, Ford
North East high-tech components manufacturer Ford Aerospace and Component Manufacturing (Ford) has appointed Chris Ford as its new managing director.
Mr Ford, who steps up from his role as finance director, is the youngest MD in the company’s 103-year history at just 28 years old.
With the company targeting £15m of sales within three years, exports are key to the company’s expansion, having provided for more than half the £900,000 sales increase in the company’s performance for the last financial year.
Predecessor Geoff Ford, who served in the role since 1975, said: “Chris has learned from our previous MD and myself and has picked up lots of experience along the way. It has become evident in recent months that Chris has the full support of our very strong management team. Ford is in very safe hands.”
Ian Farquhar, Gripple
Sheffield’s Gripple has appointed Ian Farquhar as its chief executive.
Mr Farquhar joins the wire joining and tensioning device manufacturer after 22 years as an executive with Rolls Royce and David Brown.
The company is looking to build on a successful 2012 when it added £4m in sales and posted a pre-tax profit of more than £1m.
Company hairman Hugh Facey, who also acted in an interim chief executive role up until Mr Farquhar’s appointment, said: “Gripple really has a full wind in the sails after a disappointing second half to 2012 and first half of 2013.
“I think we have found it in Ian and he is already settling in extremely well.”
Patrick Newberry, Unipart Expert Practices
Unipart has appointed Patrick Newberry as a non executive director of its consultancy, Unipart Expert Practices (UEP).
Mr Newberry has held a series of senior consultancy roles in PwC’s consulting practice, including commercial partner for the consulting business. He has been chairman of PwC’s Financial Services Regulatory Practice during a career focused on the financial sector in the UK and globally.
Commenting on the appointment, Unipart Chairman and Group Chief Executive John Neill said: “Pat’s extensive experience in building and running a highly successful consulting business will provide our executive team with a combination of strategic insight and wise counsel.
“He will add immensely to the stature of the board, and we are looking forward to working with Pat to continue to develop our existing products and services, and to provide more innovative solutions for our clients.”
Mark Chantler, Meadow Foods
Meadow Foods has appointed Mark Chantler as its group commercial director. Mr Chantler joins its executive board with responsibility for implementing strategy for growth, including acquisitions, and the expansion and development of its production facility at Chester, which starts this week.
After graduating with a first class honours degree in Economics from Newcastle University, Mr Chantler spent time gaining company experience in each division of Meadow as a project manager.
Simon Chantler, executive chairman and co-founder, said: “As the next generation, Mark’s focus will be on the continual improvement and strategic development of the business.”
Jo Haigh, NED
Business continuity and information security adviser Jermyn Consulting has appointed Jo Haigh as a non-executive board director.
Mrs Haigh, named the Peel Hunt and Sunday Times NED of the Year for 2012, has joined the Warwickshire-headquartered business to help develop growth opportunities in the business continuity and information security market.
Jermyn Consulting director George Hall said the appointment signals the business getting into shape to develop and roll out products and services to new markets.
“Jo comes highly recommended and we believe her experience and independence will bring fresh focus so that we can move the business on to a new level,” he said.
