Smart Storm is delighted to announce the appointment of Phil Buck as Chairman.
Phil brings over 40 years of senior leadership experience, having built an outstanding career across R&D, sales and marketing, general management, and company ownership.
He began his career with International Paints, becoming the youngest General Manager at 28, and later the youngest Main Board Director at 34 with Macpherson plc. Both companies were subsequently acquired by Akzo Nobel, Europe’s largest coatings group.
In 1997, Phil led a management buy-in of Isaac Spencer & Co Ltd, transforming the business into Spencer Coatings Group Ltd and growing it into the largest independent industrial coatings company in the UK. The group was sold in 2017 to Axalta Coating Systems Inc, a NYSE-listed global leader.
Following the sale, Phil founded Sunnybarn Investments Ltd, focusing on Wales-based start-ups and SMEs, where he provides not only capital but also board-level support, mentoring, and strategic guidance.
Phil joined Smart Storm in 2018 after meeting founder Dr John Duffy. Impressed by John’s vision, enthusiasm, and the strength of Smart Storm’s technology Phil invested alongside the Development Bank of Wales and joined the Board to support the company’s growth and market expansion.
After more than five years as a Director, Phil now steps into the Chairman role as Smart Storm enters an exciting new phase of growth. His experience in advancing technology-led businesses will be instrumental as the company capitalises on new opportunities. We look forward to an exciting and successful future with Phil as Chairman.
