Burnley-headquartered Velocity Composites plc has strengthened its executive leadership team with the appointment of experienced listed company finance leader Matthew Fowler as Group Chief Financial Officer, as the aerospace technology specialist prepares for its next phase of international growth.
Matthew will join 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, ensuring a comprehensive transition and supporting continuity across the Group. 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.
Over recent years, Velocity has continued to expand its integrated manufacturing, engineering and digital material management capabilities, helping many of the world’s leading aerospace manufacturers improve efficiency, reduce waste and optimise the supply of advanced composite materials throughout the production process. Against that backdrop, the appointment of a Chief Financial Officer with extensive public markets experience reflects the company’s ambition to support continued operational growth while maintaining the strong governance expected of an AIM-listed business.
Matthew joins Velocity with significant listed company experience, having previously held Chief Financial Officer positions at The Revel Collective plc, musicMagpie plc and genedrive plc, alongside earlier experience as Group Financial Controller at Scapa Group plc. An ICAEW-qualified Chartered Accountant, he brings extensive expertise in financial reporting, corporate governance, audit and strategic financial leadership within UK public companies.
Chairman Andy Beaden said the appointment would further strengthen the company’s leadership as opportunities continue to emerge across both commercial aerospace and defence markets.
“Matthew joins Velocity at an exciting stage in the Company’s development, and we are delighted to welcome him to the Board. “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 Beaden also paid tribute to outgoing Chief Financial Officer Rob Smith for his contribution during a period of sustained development.
“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. The Board looks forward to working closely with both Matthew and Rob as we build on our momentum and deliver long-term value for shareholders.”
The appointment reinforces Velocity Composites’ long-term strategy of combining operational excellence, digital manufacturing innovation and experienced executive leadership to support customers operating across some of the world’s most demanding aerospace programmes.
As aircraft manufacturers continue increasing production rates and demand for advanced composite structures grows across both civil aerospace and defence applications, the company believes strong financial leadership will play an increasingly important role in supporting sustainable international expansion, strategic investment and long-term shareholder value. Matthew Fowler formally assumed the role of Group Chief Financial Officer on 1 September 2026.
