EEF appoints Toppin to guide it through changes
The manufacturers’ organisation, EEF (formerly the Engineering Employers’ Federation), has appointed Gilbert Toppin as its new chief executive. Toppin is an engineer and a business services specialist who has held several senior roles in the consulting industry, including chief operating officer for European consulting at Deloitte.
Toppin (above) will be responsible for piloting EEF as it consolidates its nine regional associations into a single organisation for England and Wales, aimed at delivering an improved range of services to its member companies.
EEF director general Martin Temple will take on a part-time role as EEF chairman, supporting Toppin during the transitional phase.
"We are delighted to have found someone of Gilbert’s calibre to lead EEF through this critical phase in its history," says EEF president Alan Wood. "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."
"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," Toppin comments. "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."
