Two business development heavyweights have been welcomed at Grantham-based global engineering firm, BGB, helping to cement a pivotal first quarter of growth for the business.
The appointments of Tony Conroy and Leigh Smith come hot off the heels of two previous appointments, made earlier in 2025, which saw Dr. Ben Murphy join as head of product development, and the arrival of a third generation to the family business, in Alex Holt, a management trainee and son of current CEO, David Holt.
Founded in 1976, by David Holt Snr., the Grantham-headquartered firm currently employs 100 people in the UK and the United States, working with industry giants like Siemens and Vestas to provide innovative solutions like slip rings and Fibre Optic Rotary Joints (FORJ).
Despite approaching its 50th year operating, 2024 – 2025 have proven to be landmark years for growth across the business, with first quarter results exceeding expectations. Tony, head of channel development and Leigh, key account manager, have been tasked with driving further market expansion and engaging with new and existing partners.
Uniquely positioned within the Humber Estuary – a hub of activity for the offshore wind industry and home to brands like Siemens Gamesa, Ørsted and RWE – Leigh brings with him over four decades’ worth of engineering and sales experience in key energy sectors, like oil and gas and renewables, alongside the marine and ports industry.
Working remotely from his home in Hull, Leigh will be in a prime position to tap into the local appetite for wind, including the wider demand for its resources and the vital role it plays to the UK’s offshore wind sector.
In addition to becoming the key account manager for BGB customers and industry leaders, including both Siemens and Nordex, Leigh will also promote the company’s burgeoning spares and repairs service – a category flourishing with the ongoing drive towards sustainability.
Commenting on his new role, Leigh, said:
“I’ve spent my career walking the line between hands-on engineering and strategic sales in energy sectors that don’t stand still. What drew me to BGB was simple – it’s future-minded, technically credible and deeply-rooted in renewables. We’re not just selling products here, we’re offering long-term value. My goal with this new role is to build solid partnerships: ones that outlast a turbine’s lifecycle and make a real dent in how sustainability is delivered at scale.”
Meanwhile, Tony will manage BGB’s channel partners across UK, EMEA and Asia Pacific regions, developing relationships with current and future channel partners and distributors – paramount to the business’ wider strategy.
With nearly 30 years of experience in international sales across the energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing sector, Tony brings a wealth of mechanical and electrical engineered products insight.
Having worked extensively with manufacturers supplying the power and renewables industries, with a focus on offshore wind, he’s known for his strategic, relationship-led approach. Tony is a strong advocate of in-person engagement with partners and distributors, viewing collaboration as essential to building lasting, high-value partnerships. His experience in developing and revitalising international distribution networks will be key to expanding BGB’s global footprint.
Together, they plan to network across the industries BGB serves, expand its current wastewater management business, in locations like the Middle East and – leveraging their combined experience – explore other areas of the renewable energy industry, such as cable-laying vessels and crane systems.
On his welcome at BGB, Tony, said:
“Relationships are everything and I’ve joined BGB because it’s an organisation that gets that. We’re not here to do transactional sales – we hope to become a trusted extension of our partner’s teams. Face-to-face, feet-on-the-ground, sleeves-rolled-up. If we do this right, when our partners get into work on a Monday morning, BGB will be top of their minds.”
Adding, David Holt, chief executive officer at BGB, said:
“Leigh and Tony bring a sharp mix of practical experience and strategic thinking, exactly what BGB needs as we evolve. They understand the sectors we serve, but perhaps more importantly, they understand the people in them. That human connection is what will keep us ahead in renewables, wastewater and beyond, and we’re excited about the next chapter of innovation.”
BGB has been operating since 1976, designing and engineering smart rotary solutions for the renewable energy, construction, utilities and transport sectors. The family-owned business operates across key European markets like Spain, Denmark and Germany, where it is the market leader in rotary solutions for the renewable energy sector.
To find out more about BGB’s rotary solutions, visit www.bgbinnovation.com/.
