Stephen Phipson has taken the helm of EEF as its new chief executive, succeeding Terry Scuoler who is stepping down after an eight-year tenure.
Stephen Phipson has a wide range of experience in both government and advanced manufacturing companies.
He was formerly head of the Defence and Security Organisation (DSO) within the Department for International Trade where he was responsible for providing UK government export support to the nation’s defence and security industry.
Prior to heading up DSO, he was director for Security Industry Engagement at the Home Office, before which he spent 35 years in a range of large and small manufacturing businesses.
His period in industry has included roles as chief executive officer of Stadium Group and president of Smiths Detection, one of the world’s leading security companies, developing business with more than 100 government agencies around the world.
He has also held senior management roles with Radiall, Phillips and Plessey and was awarded a CBE for services to the security industry in 2010.
Terry Scuoler believes the weakened position of the post-election Tory government offers manufacturers a much better chance of fighting for a favourable Brexit.
Earlier this year, he sat down with The Manufacturer’s editorial director, Nick Peters, to discuss this, and the state of UK manufacturing, as he made preparations to step down at the end of 2017.
Click here to read the interview.
Commenting, Stephen Phipson said: “I am looking forward to taking the reins at EEF at such a pivotal moment with the Brexit talks reaching a critical point and the launch of a modern Industrial Strategy.
“EEF has a vital role to play in working with government across all fronts to ensure our sector continues to flourish and strengthen its world class innovation and competitiveness.
“One of my first priorities is to reinforce the need for a status quo implementation period for industry agreed in principle, if not in full, as soon as possible. Further delay would mean more uncertainty for companies here and across Europe, which despite UK manufacturing’s current strong performance both domestically, and in exports, would damage our longer-term prospects.”
