Charles Trent Limited has announced the appointment of Michael Woods as its new Operations Director, further strengthening the senior leadership team as the business continues to invest in its people, facilities and operational capability.
Michael brings almost 30 years of engineering and operations experience, beginning his career as a Weapons Technician in the Royal Air Force, where he developed a strong grounding in engineering discipline, safety and technical standards. He went on to spend almost 18 years with Airbus, progressing through a series of operational leadership roles, including Process Manager, Manufacturing Manager and Supplier Development Manager, gaining extensive experience in complex manufacturing, production leadership and continuous improvement.
Michael subsequently joined BAE Systems, where he established a new supplier development team before progressing to Head of Manufacturing Operations. In that role, he helped establish and bring into operation a new manufacturing facility for complex, precision-engineered systems, developing the operating strategy and embedding robust safety, quality and production systems.
Speaking about his appointment, Michael said:
“I am delighted to join Charles Trent at such an exciting point in the company’s development. The business has an impressive heritage, ambitious plans and a talented team, and I look forward to building on those strengths to create a safe, efficient and future-ready operation.”
In his new role, Michael will oversee the complete operational journey at Charles Trent, from receiving and processing vehicles through dismantling, quality assurance, warehousing and final distribution. His initial priorities will focus on listening and learning, spending time with teams across the business to understand what is working well and where the greatest opportunities for improvement lie.
From there, his focus will shift to strengthening quality, improving operational flow and consistency, and developing clear performance measures so that production, logistics, warehousing, and distribution work as a connected operation. Developing people will remain central to this approach, reflecting Michael’s belief that sustainable improvement depends on capable leaders and engaged teams at every level.
Michael’s appointment reflects the growing complexity of the vehicle recycling industry, particularly as electric and hybrid vehicles, advanced electronics, and driver-assistance systems change the skills, equipment, and processes required. High-voltage systems and batteries call for specialist knowledge and safe handling procedures, while the increasing value of electronic components makes accurate identification, testing and traceability more important than ever.
Michael’s experience in complex manufacturing and operational transformation, developed across aerospace and defence, brings a fresh perspective to these challenges, supporting Charles Trents ambition to combine its established facilities with stronger operating systems, developing technology and the knowledge of its people.
Marc Trent, CEO of Charles Trent, said:
“Mike is an outstanding addition to the Charles Trent team. He brings the leadership, operational expertise and growth mindset needed to help us take the business to the next level. As we continue investing in our people, technology and facilities, Mike will be instrumental in building an operation that can support our long-term ambitions and reinforce our position as the UK's leading vehicle recycling business.”
Michael’s appointment comes as Charles Trent Limited continues to invest in its facilities, technology and operational capability as it now operates in its centenary year. The appointment of this senior role reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to operational excellence and its continued investment in the people who will shape the next phase of its growth, supporting a more connected, efficient and sustainable vehicle recycling operation for the future.
