THE boss of an engineering consultancy in Derby has stepped up after 30 years with the company to become chairman as part of a restructuring of the top positions.
Having become chairman of Rodgers Leask, Andy Leask has handed over the reins of managing director to company newcomer Geoff Stokes.
Andy Leask, chairman Rodgers Leask, left, welcomes Geoff Stokes, managing director, to the Derby premises.
The changes are the latest in a succession plan for the top roles as part of a long-term vision for the future of the company, which employs almost 50 people at its new headquarters at St Mary’s Wharf, Mansfield Road, with more at officers in Birmingham and London.
Geoff, of Hoar Cross, near Burton, was chosen after being head-hunted by an independent recruitment specialist.
Geoff has run his own small business and went on to operate in the automotive/manufacturing sectors for more than 20 years working in a range of companies from technical sales up to managing director. Latterly he was head of special projects at trainmaker Bombardier in Derby and Burton.
He has specialised in improving and turning around businesses, has extensive HR knowledge and describes himself as a committed people manager and coach.
Andy said the search for a successor concentrated on finding a professional managing director, rather than somebody from an engineering background. “The idea was to have somebody who can get on with running the business while others are doing the engineering,” he said.
“So, using his skills and experience, Geoff will be in charge of day-to-day management of the company, with an emphasis on quality, HR and business administration leaving me to focus on strategic selling and marketing the business, looking for niche markets that give us a competitive advantage, and mentoring staff.”
Geoff says he is delighted to join a company which has a track record of delivering major civil engineering and high-profile building projects across the country and abroad.
He said that while Rodgers Leask is a smaller company than some he has worked for he now has the opportunity to have a broader input to management and work more closely with colleagues.
“Andy and I share the same values in terms of the people we work with and appreciating their efforts,” he said. “I have been here just a short while and already feel part of the team.”
