Key personnel

Mark Shaya

Managing Director

Mark, a qualified solicitor, worked for a top city law firm for 21 years after obtaining a degree in Business Economics. Mark joined Agate in November 2014 becoming Managing Director.

Although considered a big transition into an entirely new industry, Mark has quickly become familiar with all aspects of Agate’s business and now directs the finance, sales and marketing functions as well as determining the strategic direction of the company.

Mark works very closely with the management team and production staff and together they ensure that Agate produces items of the highest quality in a timely manner. While ensuring that Agate remains a market leader in precision machining of ultra-hard materials, Mark expects to grow Agate by increasing its range of services and by breaking into new industries and markets.

Outside his busy work life, Mark enjoys sports, watching Tottenham Hotspur, travelling, reading, various communal and voluntary roles and spending time with his family.

Karl Schirmer

Production/Quality Control

Karl joined Agate in 2000 and was key in setting up its CNC division before becoming Production Director in 2006. Karl became a Consultant in January 2017.

Born in South Africa to parents of German descent, Karl completed a National Higher Diploma in mechanical Engineering in Durban before going on to work for and later become a director of a small precision engineering company.

At Agate, Karl is responsible for all matters of production and quality control. He utilises his engineering knowledge and vast experience of materials and machining of those materials to work closely with customers in helping them to achieve their goals.

Karl is happiest when posed with a real challenge from customers and invariably will come up with an appropriate solution.

When away from Agate, Karl enjoys watching rugby, skiing, DIY projects, gardening, landscaping and spending quality time with his family.

Jayne O’Dell

Key Account/Office Manager

Jayne joined Agate in 2001 to focus on the administrative side of the business and has a dual role in managing the office and acting as a key account manager for some of our largest customers.

With excellent communication & technical skills she is responsible for the day to day smooth running of the office. She regularly liaises with customers and works closely with the production team to ensure the efficient planning and meeting of tight deadlines.

When not in work Jayne enjoys travelling to new countries, gardening and listening to music.

David Kahn

Consultant

David joined Agate in 1972, becoming Technical Director in 1977 and Managing Director of the company in 2001. David retired in January 2015 after having been with Agate for over forty years and will be acting as a Consultant to the company for the foreseeable future.

During his many years of involvement with the company, he gained a vast knowledge and experience of all aspects of hard and ultra-hard materials including how best to machine them, allowing him to advise numerous customers in various industries about their production requirements.

Although David is no longer involved with Agate on a day to day basis, he still continues to advise management on various technical issues that arise and liaises with customers as and when required.