Orbital strengthens leadership team with Commercial Director appointment

Andy’s prior experience spans multiple industries and technologies, via roles at GKN (automotive, aerospace and metallurgy), Leonardo (defence and space) and GE Aviation. Most recently, he spent 13 years with Ricardo plc, where his focus was on cleaner propulsion systems, including global leadership positions for the company’s fuel cells and electrification business units.

The appointment comes off the back of an exceptional 2025 for Orbital, in terms both of revenue and the scale and volume of projects the company is handling. The Commercial Director role has been created to reflect the company’s ambitions for growth following its majority acquisition by Sweden’s Bergman & Beving in late 2023.

In his new role, Andy’s responsibilities include defining and delivering Orbital’s commercial strategy, aligning sales and marketing efforts to deliver growth. This also encompasses Modus Gauges and Test Plugs, both component supply companies which joined the Bergman & Beving portfolio in October last year.

“I’m delighted to join Orbital at such an exciting time,” says Andy. “Having worked with the team at two trade shows since my appointment, it’s clear that Orbital is uniquely placed to satisfy the demanding requirements in advanced and new manufacturing sectors such as semiconductor, life sciences, nuclear, clean energy and data centres. The company has a long and proud association with many of the UK’s leading universities and research institutions, which ensures we consistently finesse our offering to reflect the needs of emerging technologies and industries,” he continues.

“It has been a pleasure to meet so many customers already, and to hear of the high regard in which they hold Orbital: combined with the skills and experience of the team, this creates a real recipe for success.”

CEO James Bridges, comments, “Andy’s appointment is a key step in strengthening Orbital’s leadership as we position for growth. His experience in advanced engineering—including hydrogen as a significant fuel of the future—certainly aligns with our plans.

“Transitioning from a family-owned company to becoming part of a listed, globally successful group such as Bergman & Beving with high growth ambitions requires blending the expertise and character responsible for the company’s success with fresh thinking and insights from new appointments. I believe we have reached that point at Orbital and look forward to working with Andy and the rest of the team to reveal the full potential of Orbital, Modus Gauges and Test Plugs in the months ahead.”