Composites UK has appointed John Toner, vice president of Teledyne Aerospace and Defence Electronics UK and general manager of Teledyne CML Composites, as its chairman. Toner has been appointed by the board of directors. As chairman, Toner will be central to the association’s vision in becoming the premier trade association for the UK composites sector.
Toner will work with members, partners and government to create the most supportive environment for innovation and sustainable growth. Toner has been elected into this role until 2023, and will help take Composites UK on to the next level through the delivery of its five-year growth strategy. Toner brings with him a wealth of experience, particularly within the aerospace sector, as well as project management, supply chain, operational experience and strategic planning.
Toner said: “I am pleased to be elected chairman of Composites UK by the board of directors. In my time as a director to date I have witnessed the association go from strength-to-strength in terms of membership numbers and offering along with the significant development of our permanent team and board. I look forward to supporting the association deliver on our strategic plan in the coming years.”
Dr. Faye Smith remains in place as vice chair. Smith was chairman of the association from 2018 to 2019 and intends to support Toner in his new role.
Smith added: “During turbulent times an industry needs its trade association more than ever and Composites UK is now in a great position to provide this support. I’m looking forward to working with John, and the wealth of expertise within the rest of the board, to ensure the association continues to develop and provide the required support to the UK Composites industry.”
David Bailey, Composites UK’s CEO commented: “On behalf of all the team, I would like to thank Ben Wilson for his exceptional contribution to Composites UK and the industry sector. Ben has led the organisation through a period of significant growth and has been instrumental in ensuring the organisation moves forward with a robust strategy and strong executive team in place.”
The board comprises 11 directors elected by the members from within the membership. The board is responsible for governance of the association. Directors serve a two-year term of office.
