WEAF announces new CEO at Farnborough
18th Jul 2018 | In News | By Michael Tyrrell
The West of England Aerospace Forum (WEAF) has announced the appointment of its new chief executive Colin Turner. Turner will take up his position on the 1st of October 2018.
As the CEO, Turner will continue to build and grow the organisation, supporting its membership within the South West aerospace cluster, the largest in Europe, contributing over £6 billion in sales and 20,000 jobs.
After an intensive recruitment exercise, the WEAF board chose Turner over seven shortlisted candidates because of his vast industrial experience, including senior positions at Leonardo MW (Helicopters) and Babcock International, and his dynamic leadership in large but as important small organisations and start-ups.
Turner has spent 10 years on the WEAF board, and he has lots of experience in the the aerospace industry. He was a key member of Leonardo Helicopters “Project Zero” Electric Tilt Rotor development team, which were awarded the Royal Aeronautical Society Team Gold medal for innovation.
His knowledge on the global, national and regional aerospace agenda places him in the primary position to lead WEAF and seize all the available opportunities.
WEAF has increased its membership by 50% in the past four years, and its influence in the industry and south west region has never been higher. It has also recently delivered a programme of events, such as the Aerospace Ambassador Awards and developed major SME focused innovation projects such as NATEP & AeroSpace Cornwall.
Chris Wilson, chair of WEAF, said: “Colin is the best person to lead and drive WEAF onto the next level. The organisation has had a number of recent successes which provide a strong foundation for Colin to build on and continue to secure the South West as the place to be for the aerospace industry.”
Turner added: “I am honoured to be offered this opportunity to represent the membership of WEAF and look forward to working with all the regional and national stakeholders to promote and grow the South West Aerospace and Advanced Engineering sector.”
For more information about WEAF, visit stand B1340, hall 1 at the UK Pavilion at Farnborough International Airshow.
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