News. What's going on in Furness
A Masterclass Presented by Murray Easton
It wasn’t that easy to access Murray’s time during his 6-year tenure at the helm of BAE Systems in Barrow, but on recently leaving the Company, he gladly responded to an invitation from Harry Knowles, CEO of Furness Enterprise, to present this Masterclass.
We didn’t openly advertise this presentation from Murray, preferring to ‘target’ invitations to those companies we considered would derive most benefit; this resulted in a pretty eclectic mix of large and small business representation – senior managers / directors, graduate trainees and business owners. It was good to see a number of FYP members there, something that Murray had particularly encouraged.
Covering everything from the ‘culture change’ of employees through to the ‘production essentials’ of output targets, supply chains and innovative build systems, this was by any description an enthralling story. The man claims to be ‘not’ a natural speaker and not easily comfortable in large groups – but none who enjoyed this presentation would have much of this! With the presentation content of his ‘six year journey’, and his clearly visible passionate yet unassuming style, it was easy to see how Murray had been able to lead a diverse workforce through such monumental challenges as faced by this company.
Murray Easton has a track record that supports a highly successful career in engineering shipbuilding and management. Those attending this Masterclass are in no doubt that he is also a very inspiring and ‘charismatic’ leader (I doubt he would really enjoy the latter description).
A really nice guy ‘to boot’, as we say around here! Our thanks Murray – and your future Chair role with Barrow Vision ensures that we can all benefit from your personal enthusiasm and vision for some time longer yet.
About Murray CBE
D.Univ, MSc, BSc (Hons), FRINA, CEng
Murray came to Cumbria in 2002 when he joined BAE Systems as Managing Director of Marine in the Sea Systems Group. Following the Group restructuring he was appointed MD of Submarine Solutions. He had responsibility for the build of two Amphibious support ships, Albion and Bulwark, the new Astute Class nuclear hunter-killer submarine project ( of which four are currently in build) and, in 2005, his company delivered the final SSK Upholder class submarine to Canada. The Submarine business is now the focal point for the design and build of the Trident (SSBN) Successor and will engineer a major section of the CVF (Carrier). Murray was responsible for all the sites at which these programmes are based, including Barrow-in-Furness.
Prior to joining BAE Systems, Murray was an MD of Babcock International Group PLC based at Rosyth, Fife; Babcock New Zealand Ltd and Babcock Defence Systems Ltd. He has also held roles as Operations Director and Assistant Ship Manager at Yarrow Shipbuilders Ltd, Glasgow, and as Production Director of Cammell Laird Shipbuilders at Birkenhead, on the Mersey. Murray was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in 2006 and a CBE in the 2008 Queen?s New Year?s Honours, for services to industry. A keen sportsman, Murray is an accomplished rock and ice climber. In more recent years he has taken up a number of less extreme interests including paragliding, snowboarding and motorcycling. Realistic enough to know that his frenetic physical activity must be balanced by some inner calm he is now, although late, also a student of yoga and t?ai chi. He enjoys all kinds of music, but especially loves the soulful Scottish type. Murray also enjoys being the father to Fraser and Emma, but realises that keeping up with them as time passes is fun, but futile!
Posted by John Barker on 22nd June 2009
