Sanjeev Gupta’s metals, industrials and energy group, the GFG Alliance, has made a new appointment in a bid to strengthen its manufacturing activities worldwide.
GFG has recruited Neil Barrell, a senior partner in Grant Thornton, as its global head of integration and performance with a remit to optimise GFG’s growing network of manufacturing operations.
Mr Barrell, who takes up his new role on July 1, has many years’ senior management experiencem including nine years at CEO level, leading businesses in steel, aluminium and the automotive sector.
As well as leading Grant Thornton’s operational consulting practise, Mr Barrell was Grant Thornton’s head of UK manufacturing and industrials sector and the firm’s global automotive leader.
He joined Grant Thornton initially to create an automotive supply chain group, but his responsibilities expanded to cover several sectors.
On his appointment Mr Barrell said: "This is an exciting opportunity to get the very best performance from the many quality manufacturing assets in my focus sectors that GFG has acquired over recent years. GFG has a clear vision for growth, innovation and sustainability, and I’m looking forward to being part of driving efficiency across the group."
Mr Gupta added: "Neil’s track record speaks for itself. As GFG enters a strategically important period, during which we will be integrating our global manufacturing activities and expanding the footprint of our key business pillars, his talent, experience and in-depth knowledge of many of our assets, will be invaluable in giving us a critical competitive edge."
