Two new directors have been appointed at Acro, to further strengthen the company’s senior team.
Ed Anders, formerly business unit director with Collins Aerospace in Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA, is relocating to the UK-based aircraft seating company to become Acro’s director of operations, while Steve Skerrett, formerly quality director with Collins Aerospace, becomes Acro’s new director of quality.
Announcing the 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. Ed and Steve 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.”
Ed Anders 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. He has been closely involved in the successful delivery of more than 20 new industry-leading products never previously flown.
Anders is 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, Steve Skerrett will champion and lead Acro’s company-wide quality drive in the delivery of business objectives, playing a role in driving positive and sustainable cultural change centred on quality, integrity, compliance and customer service.
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.
Skerrett has a proven track record in 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 reductions in operational and supplier defects. His focus will be on leading and coaching his Acro team to become subject matter experts in critical quality techniques, bringing benefits to operational and business performance.
