In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks with Dr. Philo Daniel, Chief Executive Officer of LPA Group, about leading the transformation of a specialised engineering business.

LPA Group is an engineering specialist in electronic and electro-mechanical components and systems, serving transport, aerospace, defence and infrastructure markets. Philo joined as CEO at the start of 2025 with the goal of redirecting the business.

In their conversation, they discuss:

· The ‘One LPA’ vision: Philo’s first move was to combine four quasi-independent divisions into a single functional structure. On this, she discusses how a rebranding is helping the new culture to stick.

· A strategy for doubling the business in three years: organic growth to a point, then an acquisition of significant scale.

· The vertical integration dilemma: Philo weighs having a sovereign supply chain against the commercial reality of competing with businesses that have offshored.

· STEM, apprenticeships and the skills pipeline: why Philo sees outreach to schools and colleges not just as giving back to the community, but as a structural necessity for businesses like LPA.

· Philo’s experience since joining LPA: being a first-time CEO, the shift from large corporate to smaller listed business, and the importance of both listening and taking decisive action.

LPA Group: https://www.lpa-group.com/

Menkus & Associates: https://www.menkus.com/

Supported by Norman Broadbent: https://www.normanbroadbent.com/

Belden Menkus is the Managing Director of Menkus & Associates, a senior strategic advisory practice that provides strategic clarity for businesses with a public remit, where scrutiny is high, governance is complex, and the answers aren’t obvious. His McKinsey training combined with more than 30 years working at Board and ExCo level gives him both the analytical rigour and the relational experience that complex, high-stakes leadership situations demand.

Belden hosts The Purposeful Strategist, a weekly podcast. It explores how senior leaders bring purpose to life through strategy and reflects the same questions that drive the consulting work.