Industry jobs: Roles filled at Herd, National Windscreens and the MTC

Dave Fisher appointed new group head of fleet at Herd

Dave Fisher has been appointed as head of fleet at Herd Group to help shape the future of the businesses.

Fisher joins Herd Group as part of the senior leadership team, responsible for operational objectives to help meet company growth ambitions.

The company said Fisher has the skills to lead the day-to-day operational activity for Herd rental and fleet management vehicles, workshop and body repairs, vehicle turnaround and logistics.

Fisher has extensive experience in the industry having held roles at Enerveo, Virgin Media, Travis Perkins and Rexel.

Mike Cooke, group fleet director at Herd, said: “As part of our planned growth and expansion strategy, Dave will provide another layer of expertise allowing us to further promote Herd as a leader in the provision and management of commercial vehicles within the rental and fleet management sector.”

New ESG manager appointed at National Windscreens

Craig Gibson has been appointed environmental, social and governance (ESG) manager at National Windscreens.

Gibson assumes responsibility for developing a global best practice sustainability strategy and its delivery in the organisation's day-to-day operations.

He joined the team in 2003 as a trainee technician working at the Southampton branch. He achieved NVQ level 2 and 3 qualifications before being promoted to regional trainer and NVQ assessor.

Simon Hunt, head of sales and marketing at National Windscreens, said: “This appointment shows our desire to continue to deliver a compelling ESG offering.

“His valuable experience within the company gives him the insight to highlight any opportunities for progress. His passion for ESG, alongside his knowledge of automotive glazing, made him the stand-out candidate for the role.

“Craig’s commitment to ESG will help elevate our ambitious targets whilst continuing to take every opportunity to reduce our impact on the environment.”

Commenting on his appointment, Gibson added: “My experience in operations and training gives me a detailed understanding of the industry and our operations at National Windscreens.

“This insight will be invaluable for the decarbonisation of the business and will bolster our strategy of transitioning away from fossil fuel for our fleet of vehicles, branch network and distribution operations.”

Former Ford of Britain chair to lead MTC

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) has appointed Dr Graham Hoare OBE to succeed Dr Clive Hickman as its new chief executive officer (CEO). 

Hoare brings more than 35 years of top-level industrial and commercial experience to the role.

Hoare is a former chair of Ford of Britain, having spent two decades with the carmaker in a variety of senior roles. He began his career at Ford as director of powertrain research and advanced engineering at its US headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan.

He was also the executive director of European powertrain engineering and director of global vehicle evaluation, and in 2018 was awarded the OBE for services to the UK motor industry.

Previously, he was the chief engineer for transmissions and driveline at BMW and chief engineer, of powertrain engineering at Land Rover.

More recently, Hoare briefly acted as interim CEO of Britishvolt, appointed to secure the future of the business, which has recently been acquired by Recharge Industries.

Hickman, who has been CEO of the MTC since its creation 12 years ago, said: “I know that Graham, with his vast experience in the sector, will propel the organisation to the next phase in our ambitions to become an even more integral and resilient member of the UK manufacturing community. I wish him every success in the role."

Hickman will retire as CEO of the MTC on March 31 and he will become chair of the MTC board with effect from April.