Trevor Campbell, Arnotts
I’m currently in the process of sitting down with all the senior leaders I have either worked for or alongside during my 25-year career who I really admired. I am completing this task in chronological order (watch out if you are one of these people!).
I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Trevor Campbell, where we delved into a discussion on the practical strategies employed by exceptional leaders to bring out the best in their teams.
Trevor brings a wealth of experience, having enjoyed a distinguished career at Arnott’s, culminating in his tenure as the Plant Manager at the esteemed Huntingwood factory. This factory, boasting over 500 employees, stands as one of the largest and most advanced biscuit manufacturing plants globally.
Trevor retired from Arnott’s in late 2017. My initial encounter with Trevor occurred in 2005, during his tenure as the Plant Manager at Players Biscuits in Miranda.
Players Biscuits became part of the Arnott’s family following a significant acquisition around 2003. At that time, I joined Players as the site HR Manager.
Trevor’s invaluable insights on leadership
The narrative surrounding Players is truly remarkable, but it deserves a separate discussion for another occasion. So, prepare yourself with pen and paper, and heed Trevor’s invaluable insights on leadership:
“The concept of being a servant leader has always been important to me, seeing people develop and achieve beyond their own expectations is as bigger buzz as overachieving both the top and bottom lines of the budget!
Leading by example may be an old cliche, but so important if you expect people to follow and support the business goals.
Leaders have to lead by example admit mistakes so others can embrace the same approach.
A good leader is often someone that has a great diversity of talent around them, this talent is willing to have open fact based conversations with the leader in a transparent manner. The leader has provided this forum and it’s based on a simple philosophy of continuous improvement and not agendas”.
Allow me to conclude by affirming that Trevor remains, without a doubt, one of the most revered and exceptional leaders I have ever had the privilege of working under or observing throughout my career.
I must also mention that many of my former colleagues from Arnott’s share the same sentiment, and they might wish to offer their own remarks. Amen