New Zealand-based heavy equipment specialist, Tidd Ross Todd (TRT), has appointed Lawrence Baker as its new Chief Operating Officer, following the resignation of Managing Director, Kevin Chubb.
“This is a critical new role for TRT and we knew we had to find the right person to help Bruce and I lead the business,” said TRT Director, Robert Carden, explaining that the business undertook a lengthy international recruitment process to fill the position. “We were looking for someone that shared our vision for the future of TRT while acknowledging the rich business history and a legacy that Kevin helped to create. Lawrence is that person.”
According to TRT, Baker brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Baker and his wife have moved home to New Zealand after residing in Australia, Western Samoa and Japan for the past 19 years. In this time, Baker has had senior roles in the automotive and steel industries, working with Yazaki Australia and Iveco as well as Smorgen Steel which later became BlueScope Steel. He was most recently Flat Steel Products Operations Manager at BlueScope Steel, based in Wollongong, New South Wales.
“Lawrence brings a whole new skill set and experience to TRT, and we are looking forward to drawing on Lawrence’s past experience from the automotive and steel Industries to enhance our capabilities and enable us to find new and innovative ways to solve problems for our customers,” said TRT Manufacturing Director, Bruce Carden.
Baker started at TRT in October 2017, and has had time to get to know the business.
“What stands out the most is its people, its culture, its customers, and its suppliers,” said Baker.
“I have to say from my first day everyone I have met has made me feel very welcome.
“I love what I do and I'm always looking to improve the process. Many find this unpredictability daunting, scary and downright frustrating but it’s this that I enjoy the most. This is a new role for TRT that gives me the ability to try new things, both internally and externally, and to work closely with our suppliers and customers. I am very much looking forward to the journey for the long haul.”