Over the last 12 months, in order to precipitate further impact through growth of MTC and to satisfy our strategic objectives, we have been planning the strengthening of the MTC Leadership team.
Last autumn we saw the first phase of this with the appointment of Clare Pickin as MTC Operations Director and David Grailey as AMTC Managing Director. As we continue the MTC growth journey, we now move to the next phase in our organisational development to achieve our strategic ambitions.
Following six years’ service as Non-Executive Director, most recently as MTC Chair, and having completed two terms of office, Mel Ewell will leave MTC in late 2022. We are thankful to Mel for his insightful contribution and dedication to MTC.
After 12 years as MTC CEO, Clive Hickman has decided to retire in December 2022. Clive has been the catalyst and driving force of MTC’s success. Having joined as MTC’s first employee, Clive has led the organisation to achieve a turnover of £100 million with just short of 1000 colleagues in 12 years. Following a thorough external recruitment search, I am thrilled to announce that Clive will be appointed to the position of MTC Chair. Recruitment for a new MTC CEO is now underway.
Also, Adrian Cooper, MTC’s Finance Director, will leave MTC in June 2022. We are very thankful for all the support and loyal service Adrian has provided to MTC and wish him continuing success in his next venture. In order to support MTC’s future growth, we have decided to create the position of Chief Finance Officer and I am pleased to announce the appointment of Kumar Govindasamy to this position. Kumar is currently Finance Director for a Division of 2 Sisters Food Group. Previously he has held senior finance roles in International Automotive Components (IAC) Group, Delphi Automotive and the Kerry Group. Kumar also has vast experience operating in global environments. Adrian will continue in his role until Kumar joins.
We are reaching a critical time for the High Value Manufacturing Catapult (HVMC) funding cycle and in order to support this major activity, Neil Rawlinson has been working with the HVMC team. However, as the workload increases, Neil will transfer on a three-year secondment to the HVMC as Chief Strategy Officer with effect from 1 April 2022.
To strengthen the MTC and AMTC Boards we have identified the requirement for additional skills and experience. Recent appointments of Sue Dare and Jeff Greenridge as Non Executive Directors to the AMTC Board bring wide-ranging experience across the education sector as well as relevant track records on leading change and growth. Both are also passionate about diversity across the sector and will be positive advocates in this regard. Recruitment is also now underway for MTC Non-Executive Directors.
This is an exciting time in MTC’s development with these changes equipping the organisation with the skills and capability for the next growth phase and to continue on our purpose to positively impact society.
Please join me in wishing all every success for the future.
Vicki Sanderson
HR Director