Tufan Erginbilgic has begun his role as the new CEO of the aerospace company. Image credit: Rolls-Royce Holdings plc
British aerospace multinational Rolls-Royce Holdings plc is starting the year with a new chief executive.
Effective Jan. 1, 2023, Tufan Erginbilgic begins his position as CEO of the heritage brand this week, appointed to this post, as well as an executive director role at Rolls-Royce Holdings plc, last summer. He succeeds ex-CEO Warren East, who revealed he would step down in February of last year.
“I am honored to be joining Rolls-Royce at a time of significant commercial opportunity and strategic evolution as its customers embrace the energy transition,” said Mr. Erginbilgic, in a statement.
“I am determined to deliver the full potential of the market positions which the company has built over many years, through its engineering excellence and innovative technology, and to build a platform for growth in order to create value for all stakeholders,” he said. “I look forward to working with customers, partners and the Rolls-Royce team across the world on the next successful chapter for this iconic global engineering brand.”
Exuding experience
Mr. Erginbilgic has decades of automotive and engineering expertise under his belt.
Working for 20 years at BP, his career has been focused on driving global business, leading teams and pushing for higher levels of performance. For five of those years, Mr. Erginbilgic served as an executive at the company before stepping away from BP in 2020.
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As an executive, he specialized in fuel operations on Air BP jets, refining, lubricants, petrochemicals, the network of service stations and midstream work. It was during this time that BP experienced historic profits and improved safety, thanks to his efforts.
Aside from his work with BP, Mr. Erginbilgic has also held director positions within companies in the field such as Britain’s GKN, which specializes in aerospace innovations.
“I am delighted to announce the appointment of Tufan Erginbilgic as chief executive,” said Anita Frew, chair at Rolls-Royce Holdings plc, in a statement.
Tufan Erginbilgic has spent years in the engineering world, and brings with him this experience to Rolls-Royce PLC. Image credit: Rolls-Royce Holdings plc
“He is a proven leader of winning teams within complex multinational organizations, with an ability to drive a high-performance culture and deliver results for investors,” she said. “He has extensive strategic and operational experience and a firm understanding of safety critical industries, including aerospace, as well as the challenges and commercial opportunities presented by the drive for low carbon technologies.
“He has a strong track record for execution, delivery and the creation of significant value.”
Mr. Erginbilgic resigned from director roles at Irish energy tech and healthcare marketing group DCC plc and energy company Türkiye Petrol Rafinerileri A.Ş (Tupras) prior to joining the Rolls-Royce Holdings team. Mr. Erginbilgic remains a director at Iveco Group NV, an international transportation vehicle maker.
The CEO is also a partner at equity firm Global Infrastructure Partners. The private firm invests in big-picture infrastructure, overseeing $81 billion total.