James Selka has over 25 years of manufacturing experience, including 13 years as Managing Director of a specialist high precision, internationally trading, supplier of turnkey instrument sub-systems. During this time James brought clear direction and strong commercial focus both on the shop floor and in the boardroom. Helping young people to develop was also high on his agenda and having undertaken a technical apprenticeship himself prior to gaining his BSc (Hons) from Buckingham University, James was keen to introduce an in-house, fully-certified apprenticeship scheme.

Prior to joining the MTA James was Production and HR Director at a major manufacturer of mechanical seals and support systems. He also has expertise in corporate finance and improving business performance. James is a Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire.

At the MTA James has driven a focus on technological change particularly as it relates to automation, digitisation and supply chains. He is an expert on global advanced manufacturing and regularly participates in policy formation in the UK, Europe and further afield.