Velocity Composites Names Matthew Fowler as CFO Effective September 2026, Succeeding Rob Smith

Matthew Fowler’s Credentials and Appointment Details

At 51 years old, Matthew Fowler is set to join Velocity Composites as Group CFO from 1 September 2026. Holding an ICAEW qualification as a Chartered Accountant, Fowler has held CFO roles at three UK-listed companies: The Revel Collective plc, MusicMagpie plc, and genedrive plc. Additionally, he served as Group Financial Controller at Scapa Group plc, showcasing his extensive expertise in financial leadership and operational oversight within public companies.

Fowler’s deep experience in financial reporting, governance, and audit within UK-listed entities aligns well with Velocity’s AIM-listed status, where strong financial controls and governance are critical. His familiarity with regulatory compliance, reporting standards, and stakeholder engagement across multiple public companies positions him to lead Velocity’s financial strategy as the company embarks on a new growth phase.

Transition Plan and Rob Smith’s Continued Role

Rob Smith, the current Group CFO, announced his retirement on 23 April 2026. Post-appointment of Fowler, Smith will transition to Company Secretary to facilitate a smooth handover, ensuring continuity in financial oversight and administrative functions. This arrangement preserves valuable institutional knowledge and supports a structured leadership change beyond Fowler’s start date.

Chairman Andy Beaden expressed gratitude for Smith’s contributions, stating: "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." Smith’s tenure, though relatively brief, has been key in advancing Velocity’s operational and financial progress.

Velocity Composites’ Market Standing and Key Aerospace Clients

Based in Burnley, UK, Velocity Composites is a leading supplier of composite material kits to the aerospace industry. Its clientele includes major global aerospace manufacturers Airbus, Boeing, and GKN. Velocity’s advanced composite kits help reduce costs and enhance sustainability, positioning the company as a vital supplier within the aerospace supply chain supporting the world’s largest aircraft manufacturers and subsystem providers.

The company’s proprietary technology enables customers to lower manufacturing expenses while improving sustainability. Velocity’s composite kits also allow clients to allocate internal resources more efficiently toward core business activities. The aerospace sector remains stable with consistent demand for high-quality, cost-effective composite solutions. Velocity has achieved significant operational and financial milestones in recent years, establishing a robust foundation for future expansion.

Growth Prospects in Defence, Wind Energy, and Emerging Mobility Sectors

Beyond aerospace, Velocity Composites is targeting growth opportunities in adjacent and emerging markets. The company highlights expanding prospects in aerospace and defence, with defence applications of composites poised for growth due to global robust defence spending and demand for lightweight, high-performance materials.

Velocity also aims to expand into new sectors such as wind energy, urban air mobility, and electric vehicles. Offshore wind energy, requiring composite turbine blades, is a significant growth market. Urban air mobility, focusing on electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles, demands lightweight composite structures. Electric vehicles benefit from composites to reduce weight and enhance efficiency. These sectors reflect Velocity’s diversified growth strategy beyond aerospace.

Competitive Edge Through Proprietary Technology and Cost Efficiency

Velocity leverages proprietary technology to deliver value to aerospace clients by reducing manufacturing costs and improving sustainability. This proprietary technology indicates unique manufacturing processes or material formulations that provide a competitive advantage and reinforce Velocity’s position as a leading aerospace composite supplier.

Additionally, Velocity’s composite kits simplify manufacturing for customers, reducing the need for in-house expertise and capacity. This aligns with industry trends where original equipment manufacturers outsource component production to focus on assembly and integration. Velocity’s ready-to-integrate kits make it a critical supplier amid this supply chain evolution.

Overview of Matthew Fowler’s Directorships and The Revel Collective Administration

In compliance with AIM Rules for Companies Schedule Two (g), the announcement details Fowler’s current and recent directorships. Currently, he directs 2402 Consulting Ltd and has held numerous roles in hospitality and entertainment sectors, including various Peach-branded pub companies, Revolution Bars entities, and Entertainment Magpie subsidiaries, demonstrating diverse business experience.

Notably, Fowler was appointed CFO of The Revel Collective plc on 16 June 2025. However, The Revel Collective plc and some subsidiaries entered administration on 27 January 2026, about seven months later. Administrators reported no expected funds for ordinary unsecured creditors, with creditor deficiencies around a339.0 million and secured creditor debts of approximately a328.0 million at administration. This disclosure is material for investors evaluating Fowler’s background, though the company’s financial difficulties predated his tenure.

Chairman Andy Beaden’s Remarks on Fowler’s Appointment and Strategic Outlook

Chairman Andy Beaden welcomed Fowler, stating: "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." This underscores Fowler’s appointment amid positive company momentum and growth ambitions.

Beaden added: "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." His comments highlight the importance of Fowler’s governance expertise for Velocity’s international expansion and growth in aerospace and defence sectors.

Shareholding and Governance Disclosures

The announcement confirms Matthew Fowler currently holds no ordinary shares in Velocity Composites plc, indicating he joins without prior share ownership. This suggests an external appointment rather than internal promotion or existing shareholder elevation.

Under AIM Rules, no further disclosures under Schedule Two (g) are required regarding Fowler’s appointment, confirming all relevant material information has been provided for investor assessment.

Market Reaction and Timing of Appointment

The immediate impact on Velocity’s share price remains unclear. Investor responses to leadership changes depend on market conditions, confidence in outgoing and incoming executives, and perceptions of the new CFO’s track record, including considerations of Fowler’s prior role at The Revel Collective plc during its administration.

Appointing a CFO with extensive public market expertise aligns with Velocity’s plans for international growth and defence sector expansion, reflecting the Board’s focus on enhancing financial leadership and governance. The effective date of 1 September 2026, six weeks into the new financial year, likely allows for thorough transition and handover. Investors will monitor how Fowler’s leadership influences Velocity’s financial and operational performance in the coming months.