People in composites: June 2024

Skydweller Aero Selects New Chief Financial Officer

Jilinda Crowley, SkyDweller CFO.

Skydweller Aero Inc. (Oklahoma City, Okla., U.S.) announces it has selected a new chief financial officer (CFO), Jilinda Crowley, who began her position on June 3.

“I’m delighted that Jilinda has chosen to join us, and that we are able to recruit someone of her caliber,” Skydweller CEO Robert Miller says. “Jilinda’s insights into the global aerospace industry and experience working with small technology companies will further guide the next phase of growth for Skydweller Aero. A big part of that growth is our transition into manufacturing, which Jilinda has been integral to with prior employers. She will play a critical role in accelerating our growth and delivering Skydweller’s unparalleled capabilities for communications, intelligence and research.”

Crowley brings skill and experience to the CFO role, having previously been CFO at magniX, and before that at Electra.aero. Prior to that, she held a series of senior positions with increasing responsibility at Rolls Royce: vice president of government relations, vice president of investor relations, CFO of civil small and medium engines, and senior vice president for Civil Aerospace Programs. In the latter position, she managed the company’s $10 billion global engine and aftermarket business.

Crowley has an MBA from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business and a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Tufts University.

Velocity Composites appoints new finance chief

Aerospace composite supplier Velocity Composites (Burnley, U.K.) has appointed Rob Smith as its CFO as the company expands its services worldwide.

Smith will oversee the company’s finances as Velocity Composites pursues growth by using its technology to support sustainable composite production and reduce avoidable waste and costs for customers.

Velocity Composites CFO, Rob Smith.

He is a chartered management accountant with significant experience in leadership roles in a number of AIM-quoted technology companies, where he has been instrumental in leading growth strategies and improving operational efficiencies.

Smith was formerly CFO at Biome Technologies plc, a specialist technology group in the development of bioplastics. Prior to that he was CFO and CEO of Filtronic, an AIM-listed electronics designer and manufacturer of advanced filters, antennas and mmWave transceivers to the telecommunications and critical communications markets.

“This is an exciting time to be joining Velocity Composites as the business grows as an international organization offering efficiencies in the aerospace industry worldwide,” Smith says. “The ambitions are high and the aim is to continue to expand in the marketplace working in collaboration with our customers to meet their own targets and business aspirations.”

Jon Bridges, CEO of Velocity Composites, adds, “Rob brings a wealth of relevant financial experience to the company from working in technology and manufacturing sectors. We look forward to working with him as we open up further opportunities being created by the international expansion of our services.”

Daher announces board of directors updates

Daher’s (Paris, France) board of directors has appointed Didier Kayat as the Daher Group’s chairman of the board, succeeding Patrick Daher, who has been the chairman since 2016. Kayat retains his current position as the group’s chief executive officer (CEO). Olivier Genis, a Daher family appointed board director since 2020, becomes the group’s vice president of the board. Genis will support Kayat in ensuring the company’s transformation is underway.

Didier Kayat, Daher Group’s chairman of the board and the group’s CEO.

Accordingly, these changes are part of the constant focus by Daher’s shareholders — the Daher family and Bpifrance — to implement optimal standards for the group’s governance. The added responsibilities for Kayat, who has supported Daher’s development for many years, reflects the continuity of the group’s direction and the goals of its “Take Off 2027” strategic plan.

Kayat, who has been the CEO since 2016, supported Patrick Daher from the early 2000s in the company’s development, helping to position it among the top 50 global groups in the aeronautics sector.

Olivier Genis, Daher’s vice president of the board.

Genis is currently chairman of Eiffage Construction and a member of the Eiffage Executive Committee — responsibilities that will conclude at the end of June.

The Daher board expresses its gratitude to Patrick Daher, who is retiring, for his contribution to the group’s growth and its strengthening in all areas under his chairmanship. His commitment to key aerospace sector bodies — in particular, the French GIFAS industry association — also has contributed to Daher’s influence. Patrick Daher has given the company a corporate purpose: “Within the scope of our activities, unleash the potential of those who move the world forward,” which will remain the group’s guiding principles for years to come.

“I am proud of the progress made by the Daher Group, and I have full confidence in Didier Kayat and Olivier Genis to continue the development for decades to come,” Daher says. “In recent years, the group experienced strong growth and made multiple transformative acquisitions in each of its core businesses, thanks to Didier’s contributions.”