60 Seconds on combining new beginnings with old values with Ken Smart, Advisor and Non-Executive Director
Ennis & Co are delighted to welcome Ken Smart on Board as our newest company Associate.
As an Advisor and Non-Executive Director specialising in the manufacturing and SME arena, Ken has a wealth of experience following an impressive career spanning almost 35 years within the fields of automotive and aerospace.
We wanted to find out more about Ken’s reflections on his past achievements, and what he hopes to see in the future…
From whom have you learnt most in your career?
John Archer, a former Partner in Manufacturing and Logistics at PA Consulting Group. It wasn’t so much what John said… it was the time he gave and the challenges he set me. He would ask difficult questions, which I strived to answer with data-driven responses. It was his appreciation that made me realise I had value… and with that came confidence.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in their career?
If you want to make progress, focus on thriving in your current role… not chasing the job you eventually want to have. It’s the best thing you can do to promote yourself, and this is something I’m very passionate about.
What is your proudest achievement?
Working as Project Director to create the McLaren Composites Technology Centre– there is no question about it. The processes we developed work robustly and are world unique.
What are your thoughts on the future of mobility?
I want the future to be hydrogen powered. Long-live the combustion engine! My reason being that, although from an emissions perspective BEVs offer a “cleaner” option, the mining of raw materials and end-of-life disposal of batteries are not environmentally friendly… especially if we are inundated with them. If we can instead power vehicles with hydrogen sustainably and safely, this is a much better solution. Importantly – this also keeps alive the wonderful sounds of some internal combustion engines – there’s nothing like it!
And finally… what has motivated you to join Ennis & Co as an Associate?
Ennis & Co are extremely connected and highly regarded in the industry for high calibre positions, and this is something I admire. Having spent time with Lynda and some of the team, it’s clear that they have an in-depth understanding of automotive, and its requirements in terms of people and talent. I feel as though, for want of better words, they genuinely just “get it”, which is truly refreshing.
About Ennis & Co
Aside from strong industry connections and developing an incredible group of Associates, Ennis & Co have placed world-leading senior executives into many automotive organisations over the past 11 years. We know just how important this area is during such a transformational time – and especially at a time where we need to communicate now, more than ever, the importance of a sustainable future.
To find out more about how Ennis & Co can help source the best senior talent for your organisation, please contact hello@ennisco.com
