Velocity Composites plc (AIM: VEL), the leading supplier of composite material kits to the aerospace sector, has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Declan Grant as Executive Advisor to the Board, as it continues to expand its presence in the North American market.
The appointment comes at a time when aerospace production rates are increasing and manufacturers are placing greater emphasis on supply chain resilience, cost control and scalable production. For Velocity, this is driving a need to support customers more closely in key regions, particularly across North America.
In his advisory role, Declan will work closely with the Board and leadership team, focusing on strengthening relationships with both new and existing customers. He will also provide strategic input as the business continues to scale and deepen its involvement in major aerospace and defence programmes.
Declan is an experienced C-suite executive and board member, with a track record of delivering growth and improving operational performance across aerospace and defence businesses. His background spans M&A, global sales and marketing, and he has led organisations through periods of transformation while building strong customer and supplier partnerships.
Most recently, he served as President of Aeromed Group, where he led a period of business transformation and growth. Prior to that, as Chief Commercial Officer and Board member at Incora, he played a key role in integrating Wesco Aircraft and Pattonair to create one of the world’s largest aerospace and defence supply chain integrators.
Earlier in his career, he held senior roles at Wesco Aircraft, where he was involved in the integration with Haas Group International. The combined business scaled to over $2 billion in revenue, and he was closely involved in the commercial strategy that supported its eventual sale to Platinum Equity.
Jon Bridges, CEO of Velocity Composites plc, said:
“As our industry enters a period of increasing production rates and sustained demand across both civil and defence aerospace, Declan’s deep sector expertise, commercial leadership and strong industry relationships will be invaluable. His appointment further strengthens our focus on accelerating growth in North America and enhancing our engagement with key customers.”
Declan Grant, Executive Advisor to the Board, said:
“I am delighted to join Velocity in an advisory capacity at an exciting point in its growth journey. Velocity has built a highly differentiated and niche value proposition within the aerospace and defence industry, combining technical capability with embedded, value-added services. I look forward to supporting the next phase of growth in North America, strengthening strategic relationships and helping the business continue to scale.”
With composite materials now firmly at the centre of aerospace strategy, companies that can combine technical capability with supply chain reliability are likely to play an increasingly influential role in shaping the industry’s next chapter. Grant aims to support Velocity’s upward trajectory from its North American footprint at Tallassee, Alabama.
