A former boss of Toyota’s Derbyshire car-making factory has been lined up to become the county’s next High Sheriff.
Tony Walker, CBE, who was formerly deputy managing director of Toyota Manufacturing 海角视频 (TM海角视频), which has its factory at Burnaston, along with an engine-making plant at Deeside, North Wales, has been officially nominated as the new High Sheriff of Derbyshire.
Mr Walker, of Ashbourne, was one of the first employees to be taken on by Toyota in the 海角视频. He joined the firm in 1990 and played a key role in establishing the Burnaston factory, which started producing cars in 1992.
From 2001 to 2010, he worked at Toyota Motor Europe in Brussels, holding various positions, including human resources vice-president and production planning and project director.
From 2010, he was deputy managing director of TM海角视频, retiring at the end of 2017.
Today, he is managing director of Toyota Motor Europe’s London office and deputy president of the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders, an influential trade group representing British car manufacturers and retailers.
Mr Walker is also chairman of the Business Environment and Skills Group of the Automotive Council.
Before joining the Japanese manufacturer, he had started his career with Ford, working in industrial relations In the 2018 New Year’s Honours list he was awarded a CBE for services to the motor industry after serving more than 40 years in the sector.
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Locally, Mr Walker is heavily involved in Ashbourne Methodist Church and is a board member of YMCA Derbyshire and a deputy lieutenant of Derbyshire.
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Mr Walker was among 50 prospective high sheriffs from all over England who attended a recent ceremony at the High Court in London.
On the bench to approve the nominations were Lord Burnett – the Lord Chief Justice – Lady Justice Rafferty, Mrs Justice McGowan, and Mrs Justice Whipple, four of England’s most senior judges.
The nominations for High Sheriff are approved annually in an official ceremony dating back to Saxon times.
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In those days, sheriffs collected money on behalf of the monarch. Although this no longer happens, high sheriffs still rank among the top dignitaries in their areas.
They are expected to attend at royal visits to their counties, as well as being entitled to act as returning officers in parliamentary elections.
They also have a responsibility for the wellbeing and protection of High Court judges who go out on circuit to crown courts.