Assay Master quits post after less than three years

THE head of Birmingham’s Assay Office – and the UK’s first female assay master – is stepping down from the role after just three years in post.

Stella Layton, who joined the Assay Office in 2014, has overseen a momentous period in the organisation’s history.

Her tenure corresponded with the relocation of the Assay Office from its outdated premises in Newhall Street – first opened in 1878 – to a showpiece facility in Icknield Street.

The new premises include extensive facilities for training and development as part of a collaborative tenancy and partnership with Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery, and a new apprenticeship training centre in partnership with Holts Academy. Both these initiatives form part of the Office’s commitment to nurturing new talent.
 
Ms Layton also steered the overseas expansion of the institution with the opening of a new office in Mumbai. She also implemented a change management programme to improve process efficiency and productivity across the whole business, a move which saw the Office judged Employer of the Year for 2016 at the UK Jewellery Awards.
 
Doug Henry will be appointed Joint CEO of the business and will work alongside Ms Layton until a permanent successor is appointed.

Mr Henry, an experienced managing director, has been responsible for the project management of several of the Assay Office’s key projects during the past two years and is said to have a clear understanding of its requirements.
 
Kate Hartigan, chairman of Assay Office Birmingham, said: “Stella has provided strong and decisive leadership at a critical time in the development of the Assay Office. Our staff have responded whole-heartedly to the changes, inspired by her leadership, and as a result we have a committed, flexible and confident work-force.

“I know that Stella will be missed by colleagues and customers alike, but to ensure ongoing continuity for our business we are pleased that between now and her leaving date she will be working in tandem with Doug Henry, who has a thorough understanding of the organisation and has been closely involved with the key projects that are taking us forward.”
 
An announcement on a permanent successor is expected in the New Year.

Ms Layton will continue to the Office’s ongoing projects in order to ensure continuity.