2021 brings a significant and exciting change to STI. Following a successful year as Commercial Director and MD Designate, David Taylor has been appointed the new Managing Director at STI Limited. Succeeding Simon Best, who has moved into a Chairman role, David will lead the company into the future. Simon will still be involved in an advisory position and the strategic direction of the company. With a strong leadership team in place STI is in great hands.
David has 30 years of experience in the electronics industry, gaining extensive knowledge in a diverse range of market sectors, such as Aerospace, Defence & Security, Industrial, Communications and Automotive. Starting as an apprentice electrician, he moved into electrical design before following his passion for the commercial side of electronics. David then progressed from sales roles into leadership positions for major contract electronics manufacturers; including TT Electronics and Ultra Electronics. More recently heading Prodrive, a leading motorsport and advanced technology business primarily focused in electric vehicles, electromechanical systems and high-performance motorsport programmes.
David’s arrival at STI in January 2020 was quickly followed by the unprecedented Coronavirus pandemic. Plans were postponed with immediate effect and organisational norms were adapted to facilitate a fast, agile and resilient response across all 3 manufacturing locations. STI excelled in keeping their employees safe and this remains the priority while COVID-19 continues. At the beginning of the pandemic STI reacted swiftly to the UK Government and NHS’s pressing need for life saving medical equipment, becoming a key contributor as part of the UK Ventilator Challenge Consortium. Due to David’s contacts and existing relationships within the supply chain, he played a vital role in STI’s contribution. STI has advanced further in the medical sector, collaborating with partners in the design and manufacture COVID-19 test instruments.
According to David, “the key challenge in this period was balancing new demands in the medical sector with existing customer requirements to make good on our promises and continue key relationships”. Despite a significant increase in demand from the medical sector, the continuing requirement to support Aerospace, Defence & Security remained unchanged. Therefore, STI’s expertise in low volume and high reliability electronics products has been utilised fully throughout 2020.
Commenting on his appointment David stated: “I’m really pleased to be picking up the reigns from Simon, he’s done a fantastic job over the last 32 years and led STI to where we are today. Although the pandemic has made this last year extremely difficult and caused significant change, we have worked closely with our stakeholders to overcome much of the challenge presented. As the UK continues in its fight against COVID-19, I am certain that our agile practices, resilience and strengthened customer relationships will hold steady.
I am looking forward to this new journey and with the leadership team supporting me, the future at STI is bright”.
To view the STI Leadership team: https://sti-limited.com/leadership-team/