New chief executive appointed at Magna

Kevin Tomlinson (pictured), who is from Rotherham, was UK head of global outsourcing company Capgemini until retirement in 2008.

He became a trustee of Magna, which is a charity, in 2014 and has now taken over as chief executive from John Silker, who died last year.

Mr Tomlinson, who was born in Eastwood and went to Rotherham Grammar School, said: “I have worked away from Rotherham, everywhere from the US to Australia, but I have always lived here. 

“I’m nearly 65 now so this business opportunity is probably my last chance to give something back to my home town.”

After leaving school, Mr Tomlinson went to work for British Steel as an apprentice in Rotherham, working his way up to become one of the youngest senior managers at the company, before leaving to join Capgemini in 1996. 

He was in charge of more than 5,000 employees and IT systems for giants including the Metropolitan Police, Matalan and HMRC. 

After retiring in 2008, he ran a management consultancy turning businesses around, before ill health forced him to give that up. 

Frustrated by having little to do, he was persuaded to join the board of trustees at Magna, before now taking on the mantle of chief executive.

“This role is an exciting proposition, a real business challenge where the opportunities for improvement are enormous,” he said.

“We need to build on what has been done so far, grow the business revenues and invest even more to enable us to further improve the customer experience in the science centre and our educational services.

“We are already seeing more growth. 

“Last year, corporate events had a turnover of £900,000 and we are on track to reach well over a million this year. 

“As a charity, any profits we make are reinvested into the attraction and the school visitor programme.

“I believe Magna should be at the heart of the Rotherham and South Yorkshire community and we want to connect more with people and inject a greater sense of pride in the facility and its services.”