Robert McConnell wins IoD Young Director of the Year award

Robert (above, centre ) was one of just 11 local business leaders from across Northern Ireland who were recognised for leadership excellence at this year’s awards. Coming from the public, private and third sectors and across a range of industries including communications, construction and manufacturing, the award winners were acknowledged for their proactive approach towards business growth, corporate governance and responsible leadership.

Robert joins an illustrious list of former recipients of IoD Director of the Year Awards and now also has the chance to be shortlisted for the overall UK ‘Director of the Year Awards’, which take place in London later this year.

Robert has worked for CCP Gransden since 2012, becoming Engineering Director in 2014.  His career began in Thompson Aero Seating, followed by a stint B/E Aerospace (now Rockwell Collins). Robert is a graduate of Ulster University, with a BEng(Hons) Engineering Management, and an MSc International Business.

Robert has developed and led Advanced Composites Division of CCP Gransden through a new strategy, refocusing CCP on advanced sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and defence.  This has culminated in a planned £3.5m investment in new capability; recognition nationally for CCP’s ‘smart’ factory; recruiting high potential individuals; and accreditation for design and manufacture to the aerospace and defence industries.  Robert doubled employment in the division, investing significantly to retrain operations staff in robotics and automation.  Robert applied for and was successful in receiving £1m in Invest Northern Ireland funding towards research and innovation in support of this change programme.

Robert said, “The advanced engineering sector plays a vital role in the Northern Ireland economy and it is only right that successes in the sector be recognised in the NI Business Economy.  It’s a fabulous boost for CCP Grandsen and we’ll continue on our journey of innovation and research to ensure that advanced engineering grows further in Northern Ireland and beyond.”

IoD NI Director Linda Brown said the calibre of this year’s winners was a testament to quality of leadership in Northern Ireland business: “At the IoD, we value high levels of corporate governance and continual learning among directors. Each of this year’s winning directors demonstrated these qualities and showed that the future of their companies and the Northern Ireland economy is in good hands. We would like to congratulate all successful directors and those who were shortlisted and wish them all continued success in the future.”