Burnley aerospace firm eyes global growth with new CFO

Burnley-based Velocity Composites has appointed Rob Smith as its new chief financial officer.

Velocity Composites manufactures advanced carbon fibre and ancillary material kits for use in the aerospace and associated industries.

Rob will oversee the company’s finances as it pursues its plan for growth by using its technology to support sustainable composite production and reduce avoidable waste and costs for customers.

He is a chartered management accountant with significant experience in leadership roles in a number of AIM quoted technology companies, where he has been instrumental in leading growth strategies and improving operational efficiencies.

Rob was formerly chief financial officer at Biome Technologies plc, a specialist technology group in the development of bioplastics. Prior to that he was CFO and CEO of Filtronic, a leading AIM listed electronics designer and manufacturer of advanced filters, antennas and mmWave transceivers to the telecommunications and critical communications markets. 

Rob said: “This is an exciting time to be joining Velocity Composites as the business grows as an international organisation offering efficiencies in the aerospace industry worldwide.

"The ambitions are high and the aim is to continue to expand in the marketplace working in collaboration with our customers to meet their own targets and business aspirations.”

Jon Bridges, CEO of Velocity Composites, said: “Rob brings a wealth of relevant financial experience to the company from working in technology and manufacturing sectors.

"We look forward to working with him as we open up further opportunities being created by the international expansion of our services.”