Daniel Thombs, 45 (left), has been appointed managing director of Coventry-based Bystronic UK Ltd (
www.bystronic.co.uk) — a subsidiary of Swiss group Bystronic Laser AG, which specialises in manufacturing high-technology sheet metal-working machinery, including flat-bed laser cutting machines, tube laser cutting machines, material storage automation and press brakes.
He is joining the company at a time when the UK business is strong and increasing its market share year on year, and its turnover is currently at an all-time high.
On 1 October, Mr Thombs will be taking over from the current MD David Larcombe, who is retiring after 40 years with the company. Mr Larcombe started as an apprentice at FJ Edwards, which became Edwards Pearson and subsequently Bystronic UK.
He will continue to help Mr Thombs full-time until the end of the year; after that, he will work part-time for Bystronic’s Swiss headquarters and its Coventry subsidiary.
For the past two decades, Mr Thombs, who has a degree in Mechanical Design Engineering from Coventry University, was employed by a company specialising in robotics and automation for the automotive sector.
He held a number of management posts and most recently was commercial director.
In 2015, Mr Thombs was awarded the accolade of Large-company Director of the Year by the Institute of Directors West Midlands.