WYMS welcomes Sylvie Giangolini to its Board of Trustees
Sylvie has worked in manufacturing for over 13 years, having joined Hako UK – the UK subsidiary of global manufacturer Hako Germany – in 2012. She began by managing the northern sales team, before progressing to Sales Director, and was appointed General Manager and Managing Director in 2016. During her time at Hako, she also briefly stepped in to oversee aftersales, giving her a strong understanding of the day-to-day challenges faced at every customer touchpoint. Sylvie has led the business through growth and transformation, consistently delivering results and fostering a rewarding, high-performing team culture.
Sylvie’s leadership at Hako aligns closely with WYMS’s commitment to supporting the region’s manufacturing community, particularly in championing skills, innovation, and sustainability. As a new trustee, her expertise will further strengthen WYMS’s work with industry, training providers, and stakeholders across Yorkshire and beyond.
Commenting on her appointment, Sylvie said:
“I am very honoured to be asked to join the Board at WYMS and to support the amazing work that has been started by Mark Lewis and the rest of the WYMS board and team. I am passionate about celebrating the manufacturing industry in West Yorkshire, raising the benchmark for business success and developing young talent. I believe I share the same goals for driving collaboration in West Yorkshire as the rest of the WYMS team.”
Mark Lewis, Chief Executive of WYMS, welcomed the news:
“Sylvie is a fantastic addition to the board. Her industry knowledge, commercial acumen, and clear passion for developing people and businesses make her an ideal fit for WYMS. We’re thrilled to have her on board and are excited about the ideas and perspective she’ll bring to the team.”
Sylvie joins at an exciting time for WYMS, as it continues to deliver specialist training and support to manufacturers, engineers, and innovators across the region. Her appointment reflects the organisation’s ongoing commitment to strong governance and strategic leadership, ensuring WYMS continues to grow its impact and relevance within the UK’s manufacturing landscape.
Sylvie adds:
“Running a business is tough, especially in today’s climate, with constant challenges and the wider manufacturing sector still recovering from recent economic pressures. That’s why what WYMS offers is so important – not just for start-ups, but for established businesses looking to grow. The opportunity to connect, collaborate, and do better business with like-minded people is invaluable. SMEs often face limited government support, and navigating the right networks can be difficult. WYMS fills that gap, acting as a central hub for knowledge, best practice, and support. Crucially, it also helps build bridges with education providers to engage and inspire the next generation.”
Sylvie has lived in Scammonden for over 23 years, having relocated from Brighton with her family. She loves the area and feels incredibly fortunate to have so much natural beauty on her doorstep. A keen lover of the outdoors, she enjoys long walks (with Archie, the family’s toy poodle), gardening, and renovating the family’s old mill house.
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