What people say – dsparker

What People Say ―

Darren is an experienced manager and an exceptional leader who puts people at the forefront . His approach is based on empowering the team to drive improvements and to deliver what is required in an effective and timely manner. During the two years that Darren has been in the Chromalloy business, he has led significant change in site culture, engagement and financial results. His firm but fair approach has earned him respect from all levels of the business, as has having to make those tough business decisions. Any organisation that is looking for a dynamic, people focussed leader with the ability to deliver sustainable change will not find anyone better than Darren.

Marie BagnallHead of Finance, Chromalloy

I reported to Darren whilst we were at Aeromet, during a difficultperiod of rapid change and consolidation. Darren's leadership,guidance and efficiency was superb, and I can highly recommendhim, either as permanent or interim.

Martin HeadAeromet

Darren is a collaborative leader, who achieves results by workingwith and through others, genuinely engaging with people at alllevels of the organisation in a very open and honest way.

Angela OsbourneHE Business Partner, GE Power

Darren has skilfully led teams delivering business growth withcompliance in difficult and challenging countries

Bapsy DasturGeneral Counsel

Darren is a great customer advocate, who is able to get to rootcause very quickly. High Say/Do ratio who inspires trust andrespect from his direct reports. A simplification zealot andproblem-solver, Darren would be a worthy addition to any team.

Diarmaid MulhollandVP Measurement & Sensing, Baker Hughes

Working for and with Darren was a very positive learning experience. Darren empowers his teams, gives them the space they need to grow and combines this with the right level of exposure and guidance. As a team we won and lost together, which is an essential culture Darren championed. Darren's knowledge and understanding of the business environment is exceptionally strong, he always acts with integrity, but is not afraid to make extremely tough decisions in order to grow the team and business, however, it is his understanding of how to build and motivate a team which really stands out. In summary - Darren has played a large part in enabling my own personal development and career growth - not by telling me that I am brilliant - but by telling me the truth, and empowering me to be accountable for my own actions, take risks and be responsible for my own development. Through his guidance I have grown significantly in my own career and understand my strengths and development needs - and how to best utilise both.

Daniel WrightGlobal Commercial Director, Baker Hughes

I have enjoyed working and learning from Darren over the months he has been Site Leader at Chromalloy Crewe. Darren actively encouraged team building to increase motivation, trust, cooperation and improve communication within the business. His clear visions, disciplines, processes, routines, and execution has led to a strong, diverse and accountable leadership team, and increased employee accountability

Chris LoweSupply Chain Manager, Newfield Fabrications

Darren is a pragmatic and effective leader in a delivery focused environment. His judgement of character and outcome focused approach were insightful to be lead by, as were his honesty and straight talking approach. I reflect on my time under Darren’s leadership with satisfaction and strong sense of achievement. I consider the challenges he presented me with as highly valuable opportunities in my career. I often reach out Darren in a mentorship capacity for guidance and advice and always find his response to be well considered and strategically minded.

Donna Ortonhead of Programme Delivery, SEM Energy

Darren is highly strategic and has superior influential skills. He sets a clear vision with actionable goals and then drives that through an operating rhythm. He does not believe in micromanagement and allows his teams to explore, take risks, and learn from their mistakes. I enjoyed working for Darren and have learned a great deal about managing people and clients at the same time.

Serge BekhaaziPresident Middle East, BMI

Darren could see potential where others didn’t; he took it upon himself to promote & mentor me through from a sales support role to account manager to senior account manager in record time, Darren put in a lot of time, support & encouragement for an at times thankless task. One of the most demanding managers that I’ve ever worked for but the rewards outweigh the challenges, somebody whose opinion I still value & will be eternally grateful for the opportunities he has given me.

Vicky Mcbain Key Account Manager, Dril-Quip

Darren and I worked together across two markets, Power Generation and Oil & Gas, he differentiated himself from other executives within General Electric, by embracing the philosophy that the employees should be at the centre of any strategy, this is applicable in times of growth, but more critically during times of constricting markets and associated redundancy. Acknowledging the needs of the individual, embracing the inherent strengths and weaknesses of the team and flexing management style and targets accordingly, demonstrated a highly developed skill of people management, while never deviating from the deliverables to the business.

Stephen Pickup Group Managing Director, Carlton Power

I work directly as Darren's Business Partner and as the HR Leader of his sites. His grasp of leadership and people management is exceptional and his ability to utilise the skills of his team and to deliver sustainable improvements in culture and delivery is truly impressive. Darren is open and approachable, but always able to make tough decisions which is a difficult balance to strike as a leader. I am happy to recommend him to anyone who needs to improve or add value to their business.

Lewis HughesHR Business Partner