LONDON, UK: Surface Transforms, a manufacturer of carbon fibre reinforced ceramic automotive brake discs, has announced the appointment of Stephen Easton as the new Chief Operating Officer, effective 4 September 2023. Stephen joins the company from SGL Carbon, a graphite and fibre manufacturing company, where he is currently UK Managing Director.

Stephen has 16 years of experience in various leadership positions at SGL Carbon, both in the UK and US, specialising in carbon and oxidised fibre. He also has a background in manufacturing engineering and management from his previous roles at Brand-Rex, a cable manufacturing company. He holds an honours degree in Manufacturing Engineering & Management from the University of Dundee.

Stephen’s appointment is part of the company’s strategy to strengthen its senior management team and deliver its current manufacturing expansion plan and financial transformation. The company aims to grow its revenue and profitability by fulfilling its £290m (lifetime value) order book and £393m (lifetime value) prospective contract pipeline.

Kevin Johnson, CEO of Surface Transforms, said: “We are delighted to welcome Stephen to this senior role in the company. In particular the combination of his extensive manufacturing engineering experience, his highly relevant expertise in building and operating high temperature manufacturing plants and his people management skills are well suited to our current and future requirements. We look forward to working with Stephen as the company executes it growth plans.”