Industry veteran Tom Plant this month steps into the role of Executive Chairman, Acro Aircraft Seating, bringing three decades of expertise and a wealth of global experience to the fast-growing company.
The appointment follows a period of intense development and major investment for Acro, culminating in the company’s recent move into industry-leading, purpose-built headquarters at Crick, Northamptonshire (UK) and launch of its Series 9 platform of seats – a seat without compromise.
Making the announcement, Acro Chief Executive Neil Cairns said, “Tom is an internationally respected business leader with an outstanding track record and a well-earned reputation for driving customer intimacy and for building growth and profitability in the aircraft seating sector, making him uniquely well qualified for this role. His skills and vision will add impetus to our ambitious growth plans, and he will give invaluable support to our dynamic management team.
“We’re excited to welcome Tom to the Acro board and we look forward to the competitive advantage which his appointment will unlock for us. He shares our passion for creative excellence in engineering and his unique combination of skills, together with his global industry connections, will undoubtedly help us to strengthen partnerships, develop strategic alliances and expand our international sales presence.”
Responding, Mr Plant said, “I am delighted to take on the role of Executive Chairman at such an exciting time for Acro and I look forward to working with that great team. “I believe the company has a great, agile business model and a strong strategic vision, underpinned by an unwavering commitment to excellence and the financial resources required for success in our sector. That combination will be the basis of a fantastic future for Acro and I look forward to helping the company realise its potential.”
Mr Plant’s career encompasses a number of demanding senior roles, latterly as Vice President/General Manager Aircraft Seating Products Group and Business Jet Segment for a major seating manufacturer, leading a $1.4B revenue business unit with 4500+ employees.
Professional achievements include driving double digit growth and his considerable leadership skills include strategic business management, driving growth and profitability and the management of complex technical product portfolios. He has a particular interest in creating and supporting customer intimacy.
Mr Plant has recently added an MBA from the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, University of North Carolina to qualifications in Mechanical & Production Engineering gained at North Hertfordshire College.
