At SDO Associates, we’ve brought together a curated network of experienced professionals – each a specialist in their field – giving our clients access to deep sector knowledge, trusted insight, and influential connections.
With expertise spanning the defence, aerospace, motorsport, and advanced technology sectors, our associates help clients navigate complexity with informed, pragmatic support. Together, we offer a flexible, connected approach that delivers real value.
Simon is a highly experienced chartered engineer with 40+ years in leadership, project engineering, and commissioning across defence, nuclear, and infrastructure sectors. Before retiring in 2024, he was Senior Commissioning Manager at Hinkley Point C, leading the commissioning team and ensuring operational readiness for the UK’s newest nuclear power station.
His career includes senior roles at AWE, delivering major nuclear projects, and consultancy work supporting defence and civilian clients. As a former Royal Engineer officer, he held leadership roles in military engineering, infrastructure planning, and operational support worldwide. A skilled strategist and problem-solver, Simon has led complex projects in highly regulated environments, ensuring safety, compliance, and efficiency.
Guy is a dynamic and creative professional with a rich and varied career spanning business management, marketing, and journalism. He is currently the Managing Director of Amagence, an independent marketing agency specializing in e-commerce, advertising, and social media services for SMEs across industries such as aviation, fashion, and automotive. Guy’s entrepreneurial spirit also extends to My Smarty Pants Ltd, an award-winning e-commerce apparel retailer, which he co-owns. His expertise includes online advertising strategy, data management, and creative content production, underscoring his ability to drive business growth and deliver impactful marketing solutions.
Previously, Guy held leadership roles at Nupik-Flo UK Ltd, where he managed multi-million-pound operations and represented the industry at the highest levels, including lobbying the UK government on environmental issues. His career highlights also include serving as an automotive journalist, capturing his passion for storytelling and technical knowledge. With a foundation of qualifications in business studies and English, Guy combines strategic vision with hands-on experience to deliver value across diverse business landscapes.
Roger White is a seasoned business development leader with over three decades of experience driving growth across the Defence, Aerospace, Energy, and Marine sectors. With a professional engineering background and a track record of success in global leadership roles, Roger has consistently delivered strategic and tactical outcomes for both early-stage ventures and large multinationals. His career spans senior positions at Reaction Engines, Evoqua Water Technologies, Baker Hughes, and Teledyne Oil & Gas, where he led high-value business streams, built international sales teams, and spearheaded complex technology transfer programmes. Roger’s capability in shaping markets, securing major contracts, and aligning commercial strategy with technical delivery has been recognised across global operations from North America to Asia-Pacific.
Drawing on his early technical roots in avionics and defence systems engineering, Roger brings a rare blend of domain expertise and commercial acumen. A Chartered Engineer for over 30 years and a former board member of Subsea UK, with additional credentials in marketing, management, and strategic sales. Known for his energy, collaborative leadership style, and ability to build high-performing teams, Roger remains actively engaged in mentoring and thought leadership, including past lecturing roles at the University of the West of England. He is passionate about innovation, cross-sector collaboration, and delivering sustainable, value-driven growth in complex engineering markets.
Richard is the Director of Virescit Consulting Limited, bringing decades of experience in programme and project management (P3M), change management, and business development within the defence, aerospace, and manufacturing sectors. A former Royal Engineer with over 40 years of military and consulting expertise, he has held key roles such as Principal Consultant & BD Director at MiGSO-Pcubed and Programme Manager for NATO’s SHAPE MILENG operations. Richard’s leadership style emphasises intent-based leadership and balanced task, team, and individual focus. He is also well-versed in navigating defence structures, culture, and language, offering deep insights to his clients.
Richard’s academic credentials include a BA in History from Newcastle University, postgraduate studies in military and civil engineering, and leadership from Sandhurst and Exeter. He holds certifications in Managing Successful Programmes (MSP), Management of Portfolios (MoP), and SAFe Agile at Scale. With extensive experience in operations delivery, cultural change, and bid development, he continues to drive successful transformations for organisations like NATO, Army HQ, and Virgin Media while upholding values of loyalty, integrity, and professionalism.
I’m a Chartered Engineer with 20 years of experience in the aerospace sector, with a career spanning programme management, business leadership, strategy, and business development. My early career began in the design and manufacture of industrial-scale food processing equipment before transitioning to aerospace in 2005.
I joined a global aircraft interiors company as a Programme Manager, where I led the single-source galley programme for the A350XWB – guiding it from initial bid through to the verge of first delivery. In 2017, I moved to Cranfield Aerospace as Head of Airborne Systems, Associate Director, and Accountable Manager (21G/Part145), overseeing P&L for the design and certification business and delivering R&D projects for some of the world’s largest aerospace firms.
In 2018, I helped lead a strategic shift of the business – working closely with the CEO to transition Cranfield Aerospace from an engineering services provider to a VC-backed product company focused on hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion systems for aviation. I became Chief Strategy Officer in 2020, responsible for business development, government affairs, PR and communications, and building out the hydrogen ecosystem through strategic collaborations.
In April 2025, I stepped away from Cranfield Aerospace to establish myself as a freelance aviation consultant, with a core focus on decarbonising the aviation sector. I’m excited to collaborate on impactful projects and look forward to connecting with many of you, virtually or in person.
I also co-chair the Zero Emissions Flight Infrastructure Group (ZEFIG) – a cross-industry initiative bringing together airports, airlines, and technology developers to enable hydrogen-powered flight by helping airports prepare for the required infrastructure.
Norman Housden is an experienced strategic consultant with over 40 years of combined corporate and independent consultancy experience across the Defence, Aerospace, Security, and advanced manufacturing sectors.
A specialist in commercial strategy, programme recovery, and business development, Norman has supported a wide range of high-profile national and international initiatives, including MOD transformation programmes, multi-billion-pound defence training and availability contracts, and EU-funded technology consortia.
His expertise spans bid and proposal development, supply chain optimisation, organisational restructure, and contracting for availability (CfA). Norman holds current UK Security Clearance at SC level and is PRINCE2 certified, working through Optimatrix, a JOSCAR-accredited supplier to the Defence sector.
Norman’s consultancy work has consistently delivered impact across UK MOD and allied government programmes, supporting clients in navigating complex procurement environments and aligning commercial delivery with strategic outcomes.
He brings a deep understanding of defence procurement language, stakeholder engagement, and the end-to-end capture lifecycle, having worked extensively with SMEs, prime contractors, and government agencies in the UK and abroad. With operational insight in over a dozen countries and direct experience across air, land, maritime, and satellite domains, Norman is a trusted partner for organisations seeking to win and deliver critical programmes in high-stakes, regulated markets.
As a REME veteran with 29 years of service I have had a broad and varied engineering leadership career. My direct workshop command roles have included Artillery, Army Air Corps, Armoured Infantry, and Logistics regiments. My staff roles have included equipment support and project management for engineer equipment, military trailers, battlefield utilities, aviation technical training transformation and a significant technician retention program. I have been the Continuing Airworthiness Manager for Army UAVs and a defence safety and accident investigator.
Throughout these roles I have applied my practical engineering and leadership skills to ensure pragmatic and timely delivery of critical defence equipment and services, usually in tight timeframes to bounded performance and cost criteria.
Having recently retired I have set up as a freelance consultant, seeking to bring my expertise and experience to bear in any number of fields. I pride myself on my ability to work out the root of problems and issues and deliver pragmatic and effective solutions.
Michael is a seasoned executive with a distinguished career spanning over four decades in defence, security, and facilities management sectors. With expertise in strategy development, contract negotiation, and business transformation, Michael has held pivotal roles, including Managing Director of G3 Systems Limited, where he oversaw a $350M+ pipeline while restructuring operations for growth and efficiency. His leadership extends to strategic advisory roles and consultancy through Mike P Partnerships LLP, where he supports organisations in developing operational strategies, fostering partnerships, and driving business development.
Michael’s career highlights include leading transformative projects for global organisations like QinetiQ, Interserve, and Serco, managing large teams and multi-million-pound budgets. A certified legal executive with a strong engineering background, he holds credentials in safety management, quality assurance, and contract management. With a proven track record of improving win rates, fostering innovation, and delivering value in challenging international markets, Michael is a trusted leader in complex operational and business environments.
Paul is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in managing large-scale technology and engineering programs across industries such as defence, aerospace, energy, rail, and marine. As a Global Account Manager at Altran (part of the Capgemini Group), he oversaw €15M annual revenues and lead engineering and digital transformation services for clients like Rolls-Royce. His expertise spans R&D, supply chain management, customer services, and IT. Paul has successfully driven strategic managed services deals and developed collaborations with SMEs and universities to promote innovation and business growth.
With a background that includes roles at Rolls-Royce, Atkins, and Detica Ltd, Paul has managed multimillion-pound projects, implemented IT systems, and contributed to high-profile defence and government programs. He holds a Master’s degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Birmingham University and has been recognised with awards such as the Rolls-Royce “Blue Diamond” for excellence in program delivery. Paul’s approach is rooted in strong leadership, strategic thinking, and fostering sustainable client relationships.
Charlie Gordon is a commercial and strategy leader with international experience scaling technology-driven businesses across Defence, Fintech, Media, and Motorsport Engineering. A former British Army Officer, he has a proven record of designing and executing go-to-market strategies, securing complex multi-million-pound partnerships and building global teams to deliver sustained commercial growth. Charlie combines strategic vision with operational rigour, helping organisations bridge the gap between innovative technology and commercial traction. He unites boards, investors, and delivery teams behind transformative business strategies that drive measurable results.
As Head of Business Development at Lola Cars he developed and executed the brand’s commercial revival — launching a new Formula E team with R&D partner Yamaha Motor Co., securing Warner Bros. Discovery as a strategic media partner and building a €10-20 million pipeline of sponsorship and technology partnerships. His previous roles include directing Global Strategic Partnerships at Verizon Media and Yahoo, where he delivered tens of millions in new revenue through innovative cross-sector deals with global OEMs, and senior commercial positions in Fintech and Management Consulting. A Durham University graduate and certified Project Management Professional, Charlie is known for his collaborative leadership, creative deal-making, and ability to align commercial strategy with technological innovation to accelerate growth and market access across both civil and defence domains.
David Dupont is a highly experienced Business Development and Sales professional with over four decades in the automotive, motorsport and high-performance engineering industries. With a foundation in mechanical engineering, he has held senior positions at leading organisations including Cosworth, Wirth Research, Williams Advanced Engineering, Hewland, and Prodrive. David has consistently driven international growth and strategic partnerships across multiple sectors, from motorsport and automotive to marine, aerospace, and defence, leading initiatives that have expanded market reach and strengthened customer relationships worldwide.
During his tenure at Wirth Research, David led global business development for Honda Performance Development’s international sportscar programme, managing sales and customer engagement for the HPD-LMP coupe across series including the World Endurance Championship and IMSA. He combines deep technical understanding with a commercially driven mindset, adopting a collaborative, solutions-focused approach that aligns customer needs with long-term business goals. His leadership style emphasises energy, clear communication and integrity, fostering strong performance and lasting partnerships across complex engineering environments.
Tim is the Founder and Director of TechInnoMgt Consulting Sweden AB, with over 20 years of experience in advanced engineering, product development, and innovation management. Operating globally from his base in Gothenburg, he has worked across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Australia—supporting start-ups, SMEs, multinationals, and research organisations to deliver complex, sustainable technology solutions. Tim’s career spans high-profile roles in industrial research, manufacturing, and composite materials, with a strong focus on circular economy strategies and environmentally sustainable innovation.
Tim has led projects across sectors including aerospace, defence, offshore wind, motorsport, and hydrogen power. He has also worked with Formula 1 teams, GKN Aerospace, and Williams Advanced Engineering on cutting-edge materials and manufacturing concepts. Educated in composite materials and marine engineering, Tim combines technical depth with commercial insight and strategic vision. His leadership approach is collaborative and solutions-driven—connecting teams across supply chains and disciplines to foster innovation, growth, and impact.
James is an accomplished strategic and operational leader with over 25 years of international experience in defence and security across the UK, Europe, North America, the Middle East and Africa. A former British Army officer, he has led major transformation programmes, including supporting a transformation of the British Army’s training model and delivering organisational transformation at the Canadian Army’s Command and Staff College. His experience also includes directing the extraction of over 13,500 peacekeepers and 3,500 Police and civilians from Mali and coordinating collaboration across 32 NATO nations to align collective defence strategies, driving innovation and unity. He is a graduate of both the Indian Defence Services Staff College and the Indian Higher Command Course/War College.
As Director of The Eternal Now (TEN) Ltd, James provides consultancy in organisational design, capability development, strategic planning, international collaboration and defence transformation. A Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute (CMgr FCMI), he holds Master’s degrees in Defence and Strategic Studies (University of Madras, India) and Defence Technology (Cranfield University, UK). Known for his collaborative and integrity-driven leadership, James helps organisations deliver sustainable, high-impact change across defence, government and industry, while fostering cultures that enable people and teams to excel.
Emma Wilkinson is the Founder and Director of Red Branch Strategy, a bespoke consultancy providing fractional legal and commercial support to companies operating at the intersection of AI, defence, national security, and emerging technology. Before founding Red Branch Strategy, Emma held senior legal roles at a defence technology SME and served as Legal Counsel at NatWest. She began her career as a barrister in Northern Ireland, later working offshore with a top-tier legal firm as a litigation associate. Her career has exposed her to a broad range of issues, from negotiating multi-million pound contracts to guiding British SMEs through public-sector frameworks and regulatory reform.
What drew Emma to defence and national security, and keeps her passionate about it, is her deep interest in innovation within the armed forces, fuelled by her personal ties to the British Army (her husband is a serving infantry officer). This gives her a particular commitment to supporting sovereign and allied defence-tech companies as they grow and innovate responsibly. Emma doesn’t consider herself just a lawyer. She believes that legal advice in isolation rarely drives a business forward. Her approach starts with understanding the people she works with, their ambitions, goals and what success looks like for them. That context allows her to give advice that both protects and propels the business, rather than delivering legal answers in isolation. She loves to design and streamline more efficient legal and commercial processes, whether that’s building contracting playbooks or helping teams understand their risk exposure across their contracts more broadly. Ultimately, Emma knows she’s succeeded when her clients need her less, or need her in a different way, because she’s equipped their teams to work more effectively and to understand and manage risks themselves.
Derek Hull is a strategic engineering and operations leader with extensive experience across defence, rail and engineering sectors. A Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (FIMechE), he has led major transformation and support programmes, including the £4.6Bn Rotary Wing Enterprise helicopter contract for the MOD and the £150M business case for the Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE).
Renowned for driving innovation, efficiency and stakeholder alignment, Derek has delivered measurable improvements in availability, cost savings and operational performance across complex, safety-critical environments. Formerly Interim Head of Engineering at Rail Operations Group, he shaped future fleet capability and resilience through strategic leadership and innovation. Derek holds an MSc in Defence Technology from Cranfield University and a BSc (Eng) in Mechanical Engineering from Imperial College London. Derek is passionate about advancing engineering excellence and developing the next generation of technical leaders. His leadership blends strategic vision with a practical, people-focused approach that fosters collaboration and long-term success.
Doug is a seasoned business development and sales professional with extensive experience in the defence and security sectors. With a career spanning over four decades, including 22 years of exemplary service in the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm, Doug has specialised in military vehicles, aerospace, maritime systems, and personal protection solutions. As the Business Director for NP Aerospace, he spearheaded global sales and business development, managing multimillion-pound contracts and strategic partnerships with the UK Ministry of Defence and international clients. His expertise includes leading teams to align R&D initiatives with market demands and developing innovative vehicle and personal protection solutions for defence and law enforcement markets.
Prior to his tenure at NP Aerospace, Doug held senior leadership roles at TenCate Advanced Armour and AmSafe Bridport, where he managed high-profile projects such as the integration of advanced armour solutions for military vehicles and naval vessels. Doug’s ability to cultivate relationships with foreign governments, military officers, and industry leaders has been a hallmark of his career, along with his active participation in global defence exhibitions. Currently retired, Doug remains available as a consultant, bringing his vast experience and adaptability to organisations seeking expertise in defence strategy, sales, and market development.
Simon Bradley has over 26 years of active military service in conventional and special operations, and strategic project delivery across the UK, Balkans, Africa, the Middle East and Australasia. Served as a military advisor at the political level and as a concept, capability and strategic advisor at the Defence level within the UK, NATO, and to the Armed Forces of Oman, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, France, Japan and Colombia. Worked on innovative technological solutions in high-risk environments with defence and civilian industries in the UK, USA, Germany and Turkey. Final appointment as Military Advisor to the UK Secretary of State for Defence within the Office for Net Assessment & Challenge, working with ministers, senior officials and cross-government advisors on strategies and identifying game-changing opportunities. Delivered evidenced proposals for the government’s Integrated Review and Defence Command Paper – concepts taken forward for the Strategic Defence Review 2025 and Invest 2035: the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy.
Previously UK MOD’s Assistant Head of Concepts, informing defence-level decisions over a 15-year horizon and responsible for writing Defence’s Integrated Operating Concept (IOpC) and Future Operating Concept (FOC). Formerly the British Army’s Assistant Head of Manoeuvre Support, coordinating technical projects over 10 years with a £4.2Bn budget. Commanded one of the Army’s most operationally deployed bomb disposal units and led multinational teams planning and delivering special operations in the Middle East. Directed the Army’s most significant organisational change project, including its 14,000 civil service component, and introduced biometrics into UK Defence. Extensive frontline experience in refugee repatriation, counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency. Established Si Bradley Consulting Limited in 2023 to deliver defence and security consultancy, strategic decision support and portfolio optimisation services, creating DecisionSync®.
Nick Brown is an experienced defence and security consultant who specialises in shaping growth strategies, securing sovereign and commercial partnerships, and delivering complex programmes across the defence and government ecosystems in the UK and internationally.
Nick is a former British Army officer who has led high-impact defence sector initiatives, built multi-million-dollar pipelines, and delivered contracts with the UK Ministry of Defence and major prime contractors. His work spans industry transformation, supply-chain resilience, digital modernisation, and the mobilisation of capital for national security.
Nick has held senior roles driving defence and business growth, advising executive teams, and positioning emerging technologies within major programmes and consortia. He works closely with governments, OEMs, financial institutions, and international partners, with a particular focus on enabling industrial and technical acceleration across NATO and allied nations.
Dr Robbie Baillie is a strategic defence consultant and training specialist with over two decades of experience shaping capability, education, and organisational performance across the Royal Navy and wider Defence. A Chartered Manager and Fellow of the CMI, he brings deep expertise in DSAT, training needs analysis, learning design, capability integration, and postgraduate education. Robbie is known for his analytical approach to complex organisational challenges, combining academic rigour with extensive operational experience to deliver practical, future-focused solutions. His career includes senior roles across Navy Command, most recently as Programme Director for Submarine Training Capability and leadership positions spanning carrier strike training, collective training development, and strategic communications.
Robbie now serves as Director of his own consultancy, Astrious Strategic, where he provides high-level analytical and consultancy services. He holds a PhD in Politics and International Studies alongside multiple master’s degrees in astrophysics, diplomacy, and training management, supported by professional certifications in programme management, leadership, and agile delivery. As a Royal Navy Reserve Commander and Head of Training Management Capability, Robbie continues to contribute to Defence through thought leadership, capability development, and innovation in learning. He is widely regarded for his ability to integrate technology, strategy, and human performance to deliver sustainable and impactful training outcomes.
Ben is a pragmatic, approachable individual with a high degree of professionalism. Through nearly a decade in the defence and aerospace sector, Ben has developed technical, project, leadership and management skills which are now concentrated on support other businesses and programmes.
After starting Fresh Eyes Consulting alongside employment in 2023, he has an acute understanding of the time-demands SMEs face as well as working with the large defence primes so can work at across multiple levels in the Supply Chain.
Dennis has 46 years’ experience in aircraft development and production programmes, holding senior and specialist roles at major aerospace companies including Airbus, Leonardo, AVIC, BAe, COMAC, Rolls-Royce Aero Engines, IAI and Fairchild Dornier. He has served as Chief Engineer at several Tier-1 systems and structures suppliers, contributing across a wide range of fixed- and rotary-wing civil and military aircraft.
At PFW GmbH, Dennis was EASA-approved Head of the Design Organisation (DOA), leading international teams of up to 400+ engineers on programmes including A350, A400M and B787, and was the first individual awarded Airbus delegated design authority for both structures and systems. From 2011–2020, he was Assistant Chief Designer at COMAC, supporting the ARJ-21, C919 and CR929 programmes and advising on the AG600 Amphibian.
Since 2020, Dennis has led DDZ Projects, providing consulting and advisory support to aerospace clients in Europe, the UK and the Far East, with a strong focus on eVTOL, UAS and advanced aircraft concepts. He has supported multiple VTOL, hybrid and amphibious aircraft programmes, facilitated a $400M joint venture, served as a Non-Executive Director at Gardner Aerospace, and is currently a student pilot for a LAPL licence.
Mark is an international Aerospace, Defence and Security consultant with extensive experience across the UK, Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia, with particular expertise in the Middle East and India. He is recognised for creating new markets, shaping winning strategies, and converting complex UK and international opportunities into major contracts.
He brings full business-lifecycle expertise, spanning market creation, strategy development, business development, sales, contract delivery, operations, commercial management and general management. A proven leader of multicultural teams, Mark has consistently secured, negotiated and delivered international contracts ranging from £10m to £1Bn.
Mark is a trusted advisor to governments, industry leaders and senior stakeholders, known for building long-term, high-value relationships in complex political, cultural and commercial environments. His strengths include commercial judgement, contract negotiation, dispute resolution, and the effective management of international agents, advisors and strategic partners.
His achievements include driving continuous improvement across Asia and Europe, and delivering consistent gains in customer satisfaction alongside cost optimisation. With deep ITIL expertise and pragmatic business acumen, he knows when to follow the framework — and when to adapt it — always weighing the reputational impact of every decision.
