New motorcycle manager rolls in to Dunlop Motorsport

BIRMINGHAM-based racing tyre manufacturer Dunlop Motorsport has appointed Jason Dee as manager for Motorcycle Motorsport Europe.

Dee, who hails from Redditch, replaces Steve Male, who has retired from the business after 43 years service.

With 16 years experience with Dunlop, most recently being responsible for the motorsport sales and operating process and supply chain functions, Dee has extensive experience of the motorcycle race business. He was also product manager for the sector between 2007 and 2010, having worked on the company’s MotoGP programme between 2001 and 2003.

Jean-Felix Bazelin, general manager, Motorsport Europe, said: “In the last two years we have strengthened our management team with five new appointments, across marketing, design, finance and now business operations. I’m delighted that each of these appointments has been the result of in-house talent development, bringing strength and experience to our team as we plan for the next exciting chapter in Dunlop’s 125 years of winning. Jason brings vast experience of both the business and the sport and will play a key role in driving Dunlop to future racing success.”

Paying tribute to Male, he added: “Steve has guided the Motorsport team to some of its greatest successes. Dunlop chooses to prove its tyres in competition with the other tyre manufacturers and, in the last decade in particular, we have been the most successful tyre manufacturer in two of the most demanding arenas: the Endurance World Championship and Isle of Man TT. This success is due to strong cross functional teamwork, across design, manufacturing and the commercial operation and Steve’s leadership of this has been a driver of this success.”

New process manager for Sarginsons

COVENTRY-based precision aluminium diecaster, Sarginsons Industries has bolstered its £2.5m investment drive with a new appointment.

Rick Davies, left, a member of the Institute of Cast Metal Engineers, has joined the firm, which supplies to Jaguar Land Rover, Aston Martin and Bentley, as process development manager after clocking up almost three decades’ experience within the foundry industry.

The 45-year-old, who first carved out his career as an apprentice for international chemical company, Hoechst, has spent the last 12 months delivering continuous improvement projects within the foundry, automotive and magnesium diecasting industries on a self-employed based.

Six Sigma qualified, his new role sees him based at Sarginsons’ foundry in Torrington Avenue, which is the only site in Europe to provide low pressure, gravity and sand diecasting under the same roof.

Anthony Evans, joint managing director for Sarginsons Industries, said: “Appointing somebody of Rick’s calibre emphasises our determination to continue to deliver the best results possible.”

The firm’s capital investment programme includes the installation of two LPM automated diecasting machines, a high-tech Kuka robotic finishing cell and electric environmentally-friendly furnaces, which will not only help reduce carbon dioxide levels, but annual operating costs.

Oakland International strengthens board with new appointments

MIDLANDS-based food and drink supply chain operator Oakland International has announced the appointment of three new board members to support its strong succession strategy.

Dean Attwell, Oakland International managing director, said: “After finalising our next 10-year growth plan, we identified a clear need to support the delivery of growth targets by further extending the range of skills on our main board.”

The new appointments, recruited from the firm’s senior management team, are: Lynsey McIntosh, Ed Ross and Clive Harrison.

Attwell said the appointments strengthened Oakland’s executive team and created an integrated and strategic leadership function across all operations.

Ms McIntosh takes on the role of Customer Support Director, with Ross becoming Operations Director Designate. The third new board member, Harrison, will utilise his experience in the automotive and computer service industries as IT Director.
 
Pictured from left are: Dean Attwell, Lynsey McIntosh, Clive Harrison and Ed Ross.