Having spent 20 years at Cummins Inc - global power technology company – in both the marine and aftermarket businesses, Bridges brings a wealth of experience to Alfa Laval as it gets poised for further growth. She will now oversee business in a multitude of sectors including marine, energy, food and beverage, and water management.

Bridges said: “I’ve been connected to Alfa Laval for a long time and know it’s a fantastic company to work for – many of the people I met early on in my career are still here which is testament to its ethos. It’s a force for good in the engineering world as its technologies, culture and services are all charged for a sustainable future. There’s a lot of crossover in the products and sectors that Alfa Laval serves, and I’m really energised by the fact I can apply my marine experience across this unique industry.”

Bridges is also passionate about driving Alfa Laval’s well-established sustainability and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) strategies forward in the UK. In her previous role, she was a leader focused on DE&I and active supporter of the Women’s Affinity groups which provided guidance and mentorship for girls and women across the world. She would also regularly support STEM focused activities helping each problem solving and creating thinking skills from a young age.

Bridges added: “There’s a lot of synergies between the role I have just left and the one I have taken on at Alfa Laval. I’m especially looking forward to joining another business which has a very strong culture focused on sustainability and personal development. Promoting women into technical roles, creating new opportunities, and inspiring young people into a career in engineering is a particular passion of mine.” Rachel’s predecessor, Micael Hellborg remains within Alfa Laval as he takes on the role of global mltibrands manager in Sweden.