Team – Velocity Composites PLC

Jonathan Bridges

Chief Executive Officer

Jon co-founded Velocity Composites in October 2007 and has over 31 years’ experience within the advanced composites industry, specialising in manufacturing engineering. Prior to forming Velocity Composites, Jon had worked in various international aerostructure manufacturers and material suppliers, where he developed his detailed understanding of the global supply chain and the evolution required.

Jon was CEO prior to the Company’s IPO in 2017 and re-appointed to the Board as an Executive Director in July 2019.

Jon is also a Director of the North West Aerospace Alliance, the regional trade association for the aerospace and defence industry in the North West of England, and holds an BSc (hons) in Material Science.

Matthew Fowler

Chief Financial Officer

Matthew is an ICAEW qualified charted accountant who has over 20 years experience working on AIM for various product led businesses. He was appointed to the board in September 2026 and prior to this held CFO roles at musicmagpie plc, genedrive plc and spent eight years as Group Financial Controller at multinational manufacturer Scapa Group plc.

Rob Smith

Company Secretary

Rob is a chartered management accountant with significant experience in leadership roles at a number of AIM quoted technology companies, where he was instrumental in leading growth strategies and improving operational efficiencies. Rob has a proven track record in advanced manufacturing at both CFO and CEO level, including manufacturing systems implementation and international commercial leadership.

Rob served as Velocity’s CFO between June 2024 and August 2026.

James Eastbury

Chief Customer Officer

James joined the company in May 2020 and leads a team of technically skilled programme managers and new business engineers in developing and executing comprehensive multi-level plans of engagement with identified global customers.

He is responsible for the expansion of Velocity’s revenue with existing customers and new customers/territories.

Prior to joining Velocity Composites James has over 10 years’ experience in the aerospace raw materials division of Solvay Composite Materials (now Syensqo) , the advanced materials and specialty chemicals company, where he held a number of roles, most notably as Key Account Manager for Airbus.

Oliver Smalley

Chief Operations Officer

Oliver serves as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Velocity Composites, bringing a wealth of experience in manufacturing, engineering, and operational leadership to the team. With nearly 15 years in the aerospace industry, spanning both composites and metallics, he has developed an in-depth understanding of complex manufacturing environments. In addition to his aerospace expertise, Oliver has led multiple manufacturing businesses, overseeing both local and global operations. His focus has always been on driving business process improvements, digital transformation, engineering excellence, new product introduction (NPI), and standardising business practices to optimise operational efficiency and enhance EBITDA.

As a process-driven and data-centric leader, Oliver is committed to enabling teams to thrive in their roles. He is known for his ability to empower individuals by identifying and nurturing their strengths, whilst maintaining a clear focus on the business’s overarching goals. His leadership style emphasises collaboration and continuous improvement, ensuring both individual and organisational success.

Before joining Velocity Composites, Oliver played a pivotal role in building greenfield factories across Europe and the UK. In these roles, he was responsible for the operational setup of the sites, overseeing engineering, quality control, health and safety, procurement, and commercial functions. His responsibilities included equipment installation, new product introduction (NPI), process development, staff recruitment, and team building—ensuring the creation of high-performance teams that consistently delivered results.

Oliver’s extensive experience and his proven track record in scaling manufacturing operations make him a perfect fit for Velocity Composites, particularly as the company continues to expand its global footprint and enhance its
competitive position within the industry.

Sheldon Atherton

Head of Technology and Quality Systems

Sheldon has been a member of the Velocity team since 2008 and has played a significant role in establishing the production processes, IT systems and the Quality Management System of the entire business.

Sheldon is homegrown through the Velocity leadership development programme, developing his skills, knowledge and experience through Production, Systems Integration, Quality and Supply Chain.

Today, Sheldon uses that unique experience to lead the Company’s technology developments around the digitisation of its processes within its VRP system, to centrally drive further improvements in efficiency, schedule adherence and process control.

Sheldon also leads the company’s Quality Assurance function across all sites.

Amy Heap

HR Business Partner

Amy joined Velocity in October 2022, bringing with her over 6 years’ experience from varied roles in Human Resources.

Amy has previously worked in many industries including the Educational, Health and Social Care and Manufacturing sectors, responsible for leading and directing all aspects of the Human Resource function.

In her role at Velocity Amy leads the HR function across all sites globally, and adapts the service provided to international and cultural requirements.

Amy has a CIPD Level 5 Diploma in HR Management and is a member of the CIPD association.

Matthew Fisher

Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Matthew joined Velocity soon after its launch back in 2008 and has been involved extensively in the creation of the business.

Matthew has an extensive knowledge of composites and processes, and he has helped build the engineering team as well as the R&D strategy for the business, including the Digital Manufacturing Cell and associated software.

Prior to Velocity Matthew worked for Aerovac as Production Manager, specialising in the design, costing and technical engineering of reusable vacuum bagging equipment used to manufacture a myriad of different composites structures, from F1 chassis structures to A220 Wing Stringers and Spars.

Matthew has over 25 years’ experience of the composites Industry and currently holds the position of Manufacturing Engineering Manager working closing with the New Business and Operations teams to install new projects and deliver continuous improvement to both new and existing programmes.

Shoaib Tahir

Financial Controller

Shoaib joined Velocity in April 2023, bringing with him years of experience in finance across engineering & manufacturing industries, with a key focus on commercial development & implementation.

Shoaib previously worked as the Group Financial Controller at National Floorcoverings, where he was responsible for developing and executing key business strategies for both the short & long term while improving margin performance across the group. He is responsible for the financial planning & analysis to drive operational efficiencies and navigate the business through growth while achieving forecasted budgets, in addition to meeting stakeholder expectations.

Shoaib is a Member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

Byeong (Ben) Kim

Site Lead Alabama, USA

Ben joined Velocity in September 2022 as the first US subsidiary employee, originally in an engineering role.

After leading the local activities in the standing up of the Tallassee, Alabama facility Ben has been awarded the US Site Lead position through strong mentorship and dedication. He is currently working alongside the Chief Operations Officer to establish a strong team and continue the build out the facility.

Dan McNamara

Planning and Supply Chain Manager

Dan joined Velocity in 2018 and has nearly a decade of experience operating within high-level composite supply chains. Dan began his career completing a planning and supply apprenticeship at Gurit, a distinguished manufacturer and global supplier of advanced composite materials.

Within Velocity Dan leads the global Planning and Supply Chain Team, and is responsible for managing sustained customer interface around long and medium term demand.

This also includes the Company’s global supplier base, with responsibilities including both indirect and direct raw material scheduling and procurement activities across all three Velocity sites, ensuring operational enablement, adherence to agreed demand levels and meeting contractual requirements.

Senior Leadership