Happy Retirement: Martin and Chris Reflect on Their Time at Prysmian Group UK

 

One of Martin’s most favourable roles was Marketing and Product Manager for FP200, which he oversaw for around 10 to 12 years. Within this role, he worked on building the business and the brand. His hard work and dedication paid off, and the FP200 sales soared. Not only did he enjoy this role, but it was also one that he learned the most from. "One of the biggest lessons learnt was creating the brand and tying the marketing into sales and results," Martin recalled. Over the past 44 years, Prysmian has evolved significantly. Martin said, "Prysmian is more professional now. There is more awareness of sustainability and diversity where the company looks outwards rather than inwards". Along with sustainability, there has also been a major digital shift over time. "Nobody had computers, so everything was process-driven. Orders came in handwritten, and Telexes were used for international orders."

 

Martin owed his long career to Prysmian for "always being a nice place to work with nice people and good opportunities". When asked what advice he would give his colleagues at Prysmian who are considering a long career there, he said: "Embrace opportunities and push yourself further. There are a lot more opportunities now than there were in the past". For anyone considering a role at Prysmian, he said, "Prysmian is a good place to come and work. It is a good platform to gain knowledge for your future with significant opportunities to learn".

 

Next up for Martin is a long and happy retirement. He’s most looking forward to "seeing what goes on during the day when I’m not at work".

 

Prysmian Group would like to thank Martin for his exceptional 44 years of service. It is without a doubt that he made his mark on the company and we all wish him all the best in his retirement.

 

Chris joined Pirelli in 1986 as an Accounts Office Manager, where he was responsible for the local payroll and processing purchase invoices. He applied for the role after seeing an ad in the local newspaper. After two interviews, he landed the role and began his long career at Prysmian Group. Before his job at Pirelli, Chris spent his first 4 years after leaving school in small firms learning the basics of accountancy, bookkeeping, taxation, and auditing.

 

For the first nine years at Pirelli, Chris worked in Kidderminster, where he lived. He often travelled down to Bishopstoke, where he covered for people when they were off work for an extended period. By doing this, he developed his skills. Then, in 1995, Chris was offered a job in Bishopstoke, and he and his family all moved to Chandlers Ford to start a new and exciting chapter in their lives. Chris worked as a Power UK Business Accountant within PCCo, which was his favourite role. This was in large part due to the role being a big step in his career. Chris enjoyed all the new responsibilities his new role came with. "Having meetings with directors, which I never did at Kidderminster, and supporting with the Man Plan, which I never did at Kidderminster".

 

One of the biggest challenges Chris faced in his career was the Jubilee Line Extension Project, which ultimately resulted in the merger of PCCo and Pirelli Cables. From the challenge Chris faced, he learned and appreciated the importance of terms and conditions. One of Chris’s proudest achievements was helping create a diary system in 4GL (4th Generation Language) when he worked at PCCo. This system was eventually integrated into SAP. The initiative created a job recording system for streetlighting when the team won the then Hereford and Worcester County Council Street Lighting contract in 1987. With the new system, the team was able to identify that a competitor has a single test trailer that could test 275 or 400 kV circuits; before the team got one itself, the test trailers would have to be used in unison to test 275 and 400 kV, which doubled the logistic costs.

 

Chris has seen a lot of change over the years. "Prysmian Group is better at change. There’s more strategy; certainly, this is true in ENS." Chris recalls the LSOH (Low smoke zero halogen) cable following the Kings Cross Underground Fire—the 15Kv cable that powers EMALS (the electro-magnetic aircraft landing system), which is now used on US aircraft carriers.

 

Chris has worked for Prysmian for many years, not just because of his interest in projects but also because of the people he has worked with over the years. "Whether in PCCo, Pirelli, or Prysmian, it’s the people. So many good, interesting, interested individuals who are only too happy to help and advice." Chris said. One of the key pieces of advice that he would offer to anyone thinking of joining Prysmian Group is: "Have an open mind. Think of the opportunities a multinational company can offer and give it your best shot—what have you got to lose?"

 

Chris wants to play a bit more golf than he does now but insists that "it won’t take over my life". Chris would also like to fit in a lot of walking and gardening while also going to the gym. He has ambitions to dedicate his time to volunteering and giving back by supporting Cancer UK. Finally, Chris wants to enjoy puzzles and, in his words, "keep what grey matter I have left ticking over".

 

Prysmian Group would like to take this moment to say thank you to Chris for his commitment and dedication to his career and wish him a long, happy, and well-deserved retirement.