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Board Advisory | Plural Non Executive Director for SME Manufacturing Businesses

Dr Chris Owen

Board Advisory | Plural Non-Executive Director (NED)

A successful former CEO in the advanced manufacturing sector focussed on a portfolio career of Board Advisory and plural Non Executive Director (NED) appointments. Deep expertise working with Chairs, CEOs, MDs, Owner/Managers and Boards to develop and implement strategic business plans, with knowledge and experience of transforming manufacturing operations, strategic alignment of organisations and managing cultural change. Open to invitations to join boards of small and mid-sized, privately owned or PE/VC backed manufacturing businesses, who are seeking strategic development and growth.

Board Advisory

I specialise in working closely with Chairs, CEOs, MDs, Owner/Managers and Boards of Manufacturing SMEs to achieve their business aspirations. I  have a proven track record of developing and executing effective growth strategies and providing coaching and mentoring to senior manufacturing leaders across a broad range of manufacturing businesses for over fifteen years. This tailored support provides clarity, focus and organisational alignment and sets out actionable steps that deliver measurable operational and financial success. This is usually done on a part-time basis, over a number of months.

Non Executive Director

Open to NED appointments that resonate with my existing portfolio's strengths and core values. I have deep expertise working with Chairs, CEOs, MDs, Owner/Managers and Boards to develop and implement strategic business plans, with knowledge and experience of transforming manufacturing operations, strategic alignment of organisations and managing cultural change. I am committed to contributing strategic insights and guidance that complement and enhance the governance and growth trajectory of forward-thinking organisations.

Sector Experience

Over 30 years experience across a wide range of manufacturing sectors.

Clean Tech & Renewables

Defence

Automotive

Industrial

Aerospace

Electronics

Medi Tech

Consumer Goods

Manufacturing Process Experience

  • Additive manufacturing

  • Virtual reality

  • Augmented reality

  • Digital twins

  • Welding

  • Casting

  • Forging

  • Stamping

  • Measuring/Inspection

  • CNC machining

  • CRM Systems

  • Assembly lines

  • Moulding

  • CAD design

  • CFD simulation

  • Robotic paint spraying

  • Quality inspection vision system

  • Robotics

  • Process control

  • Process automation

  • MRP Systems

What clients say

  • By far the best strategic planning process

    “Of all the strategy planning procedures I’ve been through (and there are many) this was by far the best in my 40 years experience in manufacturing. Excellent content well executed!”

    Simon Walker, Operations Director

  • Always challenging and thought provoking

    “Really enjoyed working with you Chris - a considerable amount of work covered, but always thought provoking and challenging - really appreciate the overall project management support too - made a real difference to the value we have got - many thanks.”

    Ben Higgins, Commercial Director

  • A measurable, positive impact to the business

    “We continue to implement the strategy that we developed and planned with Chris three years ago. The changes implemented have had a measurable positive impact on the business and continue to make us even more successful.”

    Phil Begley, Divisional Managing Director, Liberty Tubular Solutions

  • Comfortably the best strategic review process

    “Chris has facilitated a strategic review of our business over several months. The process was faultless with excellent content delivered in a coherent and manageable way. Comfortably the best strategic review process I have been a part of, and one which will add significant value to our business.”

    Mike Melvin, Finance Director

  • An engaging process which has made a significant difference

    “Chris led us through a structured approach to develop our vision and strategy and set out our key strategic priorities for the next 5-10 years. An engaging and effective process for all stakeholders which has made a significant difference.”

    James Bruin, Chairman, International Automotive Task Force (IATF)

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