Acro makes two director appointments

Two director appointments have been announced at Acro, further strengthening the senior team at the fast-growing global aircraft seating company following its move last year to all-new headquarters at Crick in Northamptonshire.

Ed Anders, formerly Business Unit Director with Collins Aerospace in Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA, relocates to become Director of Operations at Acro and Steve Skerrett, latterly Quality Director with Collins Aerospace, becomes Acro’s new Director of Quality.

Announcing the high-profile appointments, Neil Cairns, CEO of Acro, said: “We are delighted to welcome on board two respected and highly qualified aerospace professionals, each of whom brings 25 years’ hands-on experience at the most senior levels of our industry, together with a wealth of enthusiasm and creativity. Anders and Skerrett are now perfectly positioned and fully resourced to use their skills to maximum effect, leading and inspiring a new generation and empowering Acro’s global success.”

Acro Operations Director Anders will head the company’s Operations and Production activities, harnessing strategic vision to ensure delivery of world-class operational performance and consistently excellent product.

He brings to Acro expert knowledge of building high performing teams, introducing Lean methodologies, as well as programme and project management. He has particular experience in setting up new facilities, establishing vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities and delivering continuous improvement across all areas of aircraft seating operations and has been closely involved in the successful delivery of more than 20 new industry-leading products never previously flown.

At Acro, Anders is already demonstrating his passion for excellence in aerospace manufacture working with his new cross-functional team of industrial, design and manufacturing engineers to streamline product design for great manufacturability incorporating Lean methodologies.

As Quality Director, Skerrett will champion and lead the company wide Acro quality drive in the delivery of business objectives, playing a critical role in driving positive and sustainable cultural change centred on quality, integrity, compliance, and customer service excellence.

A professional Chartered Engineer, Skerrett launched his career as Head of Quality Assurance with a prominent premium aircraft seating company, followed by high profile roles as Quality Director with Goodrich, UTC Aerospace and, most recently, Collins Aerospace.

He has a proven track record in successfully developing and delivering business management systems and product quality improvement in both the automotive and aerospace industries. By establishing standard processes and persistently reducing variation he has delivered cost reductions and efficiency gains leading to significant reductions in operational and supplier defects. Skerrett’s focus will be on leading and coaching his Acro team to become subject matter experts in critical quality techniques, bringing extensive benefits to operational and business performance.

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