Velocity Composites appoints experienced listed company CFO

Aerospace technology specialist Velocity Composites has appointed listed company finance leader Matthew Fowler as group chief financial officer.

The appointment signals the start of the Burnley headquartered firms next phase of international growth, it said as part of its announcement.

Matthew joined the AIM listed business and its board on 1 September 2026, succeeding Rob Smith, who announced his intention to retire from the CFO role earlier this year. Smith will continue with the business as company secretary.

The appointment comes at a 'significant point' in Velocity Composites' development as global aerospace production continues to accelerate and 'manufacturers increasingly invest in resilient, digitally enabled supply chains capable of supporting higher aircraft build rates'.

Matthew, an ICAEW qualified chartered accountant, has joined Velocity having previously held chief financial officer positions at The Revel Collective, musicMagpie and genedrive, alongside earlier experience as group financial controller at Scapa Group. 

Chairman Andy Beaden said: "Matthew joins Velocity at an exciting stage in the company's development.

"Over recent years, the business has delivered significant operational and financial progress, creating a strong platform for future growth.

"With increasing opportunities across both aerospace and defence markets, Matthew's extensive experience in listed companies, financial leadership and corporate governance will be invaluable as we execute our strategy and scale the business internationally."

Andy also paid tribute to outgoing Rob Smith for his contribution, adding: "I would also like to thank Rob for his outstanding contribution over the past two years. He has played a pivotal role in strengthening the business and supporting Velocity's growth, and we are pleased that he will continue as Company Secretary."