Invertek Drives Ltd, a leading designer and manufacturer of variable frequency drives, based at Welshpool, Powys, UK, has announced the appointment of Adrian Ellam as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Adrian will take on the role from his current position as Finance and Operations Director, further strengthening the company's management team with an internal promotion, ensuring continuity in the company’s next phase of growth.

The appointment comes at a significant time for Invertek Drives as the company celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2023 having reported a 45% year-on-year sales growth in 2022, with a total turnover of £79.3 million.

Adrian has been an integral part of Invertek Drives since 2010 and has worked closely with the existing directors, including three of the founding members of the business. His extensive experience and deep understanding of the company underscore its commitment to maintaining continuity and building on its success.

Based at the company's UK-based global headquarters at Welshpool, Powys, Adrian takes on the position from current CEO, Shaun Dean, who is Senior Vice President of Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd and CEO of PTC EMEIA Group. Shaun held the role of CEO since Invertek Drives was acquired by Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd in 2019 to ensure a smooth integration into the group.

Shaun will continue to assume the role of Chairman of Invertek Drives Ltd in conjunction with his existing senior roles with Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd and PTC EMEIA.

Rhydian Welson, Sales and Marketing Director; Glyn Jones, Technical Director; David Jones, R&D Director; and Tommy Tighe, Business Development Director, continue to focus on their key areas, including the development of next-generation products, and future management structure enhancements

Commenting on Adrian's appointment, Shaun said: "I'm delighted that Adrian has accepted the position of CEO as part of our continued investment and growth plans. Our management team is robust, with two of the original founders still actively involved. Their combined experience, cohesion and expertise are invaluable to Invertek Drives."

He added: "Invertek is a strong brand in the drives and controls sector and a significant employer in Mid Wales. We are proud to have acquired Invertek as part of the Power, Transmission, and Controls Group at Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd. We anticipate exciting times ahead as we significantly expand our business globally."

Adrian, who will retain his responsibilities for finance and operations, said: "I am honoured to take on the position of CEO at Invertek during this exciting phase of the company's growth, ensuring we continue the long standing internal spirit and business dynamics

“We are at a pivotal point in our long-term strategy, with the ongoing expansion of our global manufacturing and distribution facility, enabling us to increase production to 1.2 million units per year.”

He added: “We have a great and loyal team at Invertek which is one reason why we’ve been so successful. As we enter the next growth phase, we will be increasing recruitment in all areas of the business to support increased production, innovation, and sales.”

Adrian further highlighted the company's expanding global presence and collaborations with partners in the PTC EMEIA Group to develop integrated solutions. He emphasised Invertek Drives' commitment to working closely with existing original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and customers to unlock new opportunities.

Invertek Drives recently welcomed the Japanese Ambassador to the UK, His Excellency Mr Hajime Hayashi, and UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly MP to its headquarters, marking the company's 25th anniversary and the inauguration of a new Global Application and Training Centre. Additionally, plans are underway to commence construction of a £6.3 million Headquarters and Innovation Centre at the site in 2024.

The company currently employs 380 people and has sales and service partners in 80 countries throughout the world.

Caption: Shaun Dean, Senior Vice President of Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd and Chairman of Invertek Drives Ltd  (front left) with Adrian Ellam, CEO of Invertek Drives, with Rhydian Welson, Sales and Marketing (back left), Dr David Jones, R&D Director; Glyn Jones, Technical Director; and Tommy Tighe, Business Development Director

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