Gilbert will take on the leadership of EEF at a critical time as it seeks to influence the environment for a revitalised manufacturing sector facing unprecedented global challenge through competition and climate change.
Gilbert will also take responsibility for piloting EEF through an important period of organisational change as it consolidates its nine regional Associations into one organisation for England and Wales delivering an improved range of services to its member companies.
EEF’s Director General, Martin Temple will take on a new part-time role as EEF Chairman, supporting Gilbert during this transitional phase. Together they will work to maintain and develop EEF’s strong position representing the interests of the UK’s manufacturing sector to government at all levels.
Gilbert is an engineer and a business services specialist who has held a succession of senior roles in the consulting industry, including Chief Operating Officer for European Consulting at Deloitte, where he was a senior Partner and Board member.
Gilbert’s career has had a particular focus on providing solutions for the manufacturing and engineering sectors, where he has delivered a range of large infrastructure projects. He has worked with the World Bank on the revitalisation of industries for a number of nations around the world. Closer to home Gilbert has provided strategic solutions to membership organisations such as RIBA (the Royal Institute of British Architects).
Commenting on Gilbert’s appointment, EEF President Alan Wood said:
“We are delighted to have found someone of Gilbert’s calibre to lead EEF through this critical phase in its history. Gilbert’s background in business services and consulting is highly relevant to EEF’s business but he also brings with him a wealth of experience of the manufacturing and engineering sectors both at home and abroad. Together with Martin Temple as Chairman we have an excellent team to enable us to face the challenges of the future.”
Gilbert Toppin said:
“At a time when other sectors such financial services appear fragile, we need to concentrate afresh on the UK’s economic bedrock in the manufacturing sector. I am honoured to be leading EEF, manufacturing’s premier organisation, in our twin aims of strengthening the policy agenda and delivering exceptional results for members through an expanding range of high quality services.”
ENDS