REA UK is entering 2027 with a refreshed leadership structure, as Managing Director David Hobson steps away from REA (and the country!) to join a family business in South Africa. In his place, the company has appointed Tom Steele as Managing Director Designate, while Solutions Engineer Josh Piccaver has been promoted to Operations Director.
A Big Thank You
David has led REA UK through a period of steady growth and stronger customer relationships since taking the role in 2018. His decision to return closer to family is entirely understandable (even if it does leave the rest of the team with slightly fewer jokes in the Monday morning meeting). REA UK wishes him every success in his next chapter.
The Man of Steele
Tom Steele joins REA UK with a solid grounding in the coding and marking sector. An apprentice-trained mechanical engineer with a process-plant background, he has spent the better part of a decade working with industrial and packaging lasers, inkjet and print-and-apply systems. Most recently he served as Sales Director at Macsa id UK, where he focused on CAPEX solutions across packaging, processing and manufacturing customers, including food, beverage and wider FMCG applications.
That laser experience is particularly useful as REA UK looks toward 2027. Tom’s practical knowledge of integrating and selling laser technology should help the team translate those strengths more directly into FMCG environments, where manufacturers need clean, durable codes on everything from bottles and jars to films, cartons and oddly shaped packaging, while meeting GS1 requirements and keeping lines running.
From Solutions to Operations
At the same time, Josh Piccaver moves from Solutions Engineer to Operations Director. Anyone who has worked with Josh on system integration, programming or a particularly stubborn line integration will recognise why the promotion is thoroughly deserved. His role has quietly become one of the more indispensable ones in the business; elevating him to Operations Director simply formalises the responsibility he has already been carrying. Customers should notice the continuity — the same engineer who has helped specify and get solutions working will now have a broader remit to keep operations running smoothly.
These changes are designed to keep service levels high while giving REA UK additional depth in laser technology in the year ahead.
The team remains based in Hinckley and continues to draw on the engineering resources of its German parent. Business continues as usual in the meantime, and partners can expect the same responsive support they have come to rely on.
Leadership changes are always an opportunity to reflect on what makes a business successful. For REA UK, that means combining experience and fresh ideas with dependable technology, strong technical support and a commitment to helping our customers solve real production challenges.
We’re grateful to David for his contribution, delighted to welcome Tom’s expertise, and proud to recognise Josh’s achievements.
New chapter. New opportunities. Same commitment to getting the job done right.
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