Employers’ lobbying body the EEF has appointed consultant Gilbert Toppin to its new chief executive role.
Toppin joins the manufacturers’ organisation from business services giant Deloitte, where he was chief operating officer for European consulting.
The EEF created the chief executive position in a revamp earlier this year. Current director-general Martin Temple will take the new post of chairman in January 2008.
EEF President Alan Wood said: “We are delighted to have found someone of Gilbert’s calibre to lead the EEF through this critical phase in its history.
“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.”
The EEF, which has about 6,000 members employing 900,000 people, provides business services as well as being a major campaigner on behalf of employers.
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It has lobbied both Westminster and Brussels this year on issues including the importance of the Working Time Directive opt-out, the need for a simpler training system and dispute resolution.
Toppin said: “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.”
