Nigel Judd to retire in September

29 April, 2015

Having originally joined the company’s pneumatic division as a sales and marketing manager, he became actively involved in two company acquisitions that substantially increased the size and scope of the business. He later held the position of country sales manager for the UK, during which time he was instrumental in securing significant global automotive business. Finally, Judd helped to set up a new UK sales company structure, taking the helm as general manager in 2004 before being promoted to his current job in 2008.

New strategic direction

Judd has been an active member of the British Fluid Power Association (BFPA) since joining the body in 1988. He rose through the ranks to chair the BFPA’s marketing and statistics committee, during which time the economic forecast and seminar was established. Then from 2010 to 2013, he served as president – the fourth Parker representative to achieve this accolade. During his presidency, he worked closely with director Chris Buxton in support of a new strategic direction for the Association.

Developing young engineering talent through training and development at the BFPA has been a topic dear to Judd’s heart. He firmly believes in the need to make hydraulics exciting to the next generation of engineers, so they understand what the profession involves and the important contribution it makes to industry.

He was keen to establish a ‘passport’ style system for hydraulics engineering, and instrumental in guiding the methodology of the association’s hose assembly training programme – raising the profile of health & safety and emphasising the importance of high-quality training.

Other notable contributions include serving on the Industry Advisory Council of the Powertrain and Motion Control Centre at Bath University, and the Industrial Advisory Committee of the National Fluid Power Centre (NFPC).

Judd said of his forthcoming retirement: “It has been an honour to lead the growth of Parker’s national sales company and serve the BFPA. The Association recognises that we need to achieve what’s right for the industry as a whole, and by working in genuine partnership it has punched above its weight in areas such as CETOP and ISO standards. I will miss the wonderful people and relationships established over the years, but it has been a privilege to contribute to these marvellous organisations.”

Following the announcement, Parker will begin the process of finding Judd’s successor, to ensure a smooth leadership transition.