SEMTA, the science, technology and engineering skills council, has announced the appointment of its new chief executive, Philip Whiteman, former finance director and current acting chief executive.
Mr Whiteman, 49, replaces Dr Michael Sanderson, 61, who retired in June after nine years with the skills council covering 2 million employees in Science, engineering and manufacturing technologies.
Announcing the appointment, SEMTA chairman Lord Trefgarne, described him as the outstanding candidate after a “long and rigorous” four-month search by headhunters to find a successor to Dr Sanderson.
Mr Whiteman said: I am delighted to be given the opportunity to help our industry meet the demands of the global economy. This is a critical time for the Skills for Business network and we will offer whatever is necessary to help support all members of our network to deliver the skills strategy."
A Bachelor of Chemistry from Durham University and a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Mr Whiteman began his career with Deliotte Haskins and Sells and worked in publishing and newspapers before joining SEMTA’s predecessor training organisation, Entra in 1991.
