Graham Dewhurst, director general of the Manufacturing Technologies Association, has announced his decision to retire this summer.
At the since 2007, he has seen its membership grow by 33% and the range of industries from which it draws its members increase dramatically.
During Mr Dewhurst’s period of tenure, the MTA has raised its profile in Westminster and Whitehall, with one particular highlight being a Select Committee Appearance; this was a key trigger for certain reforms of the UK Export Finance programme.
Mr Dewhurst also oversaw a full revision of the Association’s statutes and helped to create a more open organisation. Other changes included a complete renovation of the MTA’s headquarters building in Central London, which now provides a modern environment for staff members and tenants alike.
MTA president Mark Ridgway said: “The work that Graham has done over the last seven years has been outstanding. The vibrancy and relevance that he has
instilled at the MTA was what members really want to see; and the fact that he will hand over an association that is gaining members, is on a firm financial footing and successfully runs the UK’s leading manufacturing exhibition — MACH — is a testament to the hard work he has done.”
Prior to taking up his post at the MTA, Mr Dewhurst served on the Association’s Council, including as Hon Treasurer. A qualified accountant, he entered the manufacturing sector in 1988 as finance director at Holroyd Machine Tools, which was then part of the Renold Group. He served as managing director of the Machine Tool Division of Renold from 2001 until 2007.