Our Core Team
MEET THE TEAM
Our team at SDO Associates combines extensive experience across multiple industries with diverse backgrounds and specialised expertise, working together to deliver tailored strategies, practical solutions, and innovative guidance that help our clients grow and succeed.
HANNAH EVANS
Chief Commercial Officer
Hannah is a skilled commercial manager delivering tailored commercial management services across various sectors, including aviation, defence, and environmental management. Leveraging her extensive experience, Hannah supports businesses throughout the project lifecycle, offering bespoke commercial solutions that optimise value and performance. Hannah works with a diverse range of clients, from micro-SMEs to medium-sized enterprises, providing strategic and operational expertise that drives growth and efficiency.
Previously, Hannah held roles such as Commercial Manager at QinetiQ, where she managed complex multi-billion-pound contracts, including the MOD Engineering Delivery Partner program, and pioneered innovative commercial solutions. Her expertise extends to dispute resolution, ITAR compliance, and collaborative negotiation strategies, supported by her legal background from Swansea and Plymouth Universities. A strong advocate for women in defence, Hannah has been a speaker and nominee for innovation awards, emphasising her commitment to excellence and leadership in her field.
Away from the office, Hannah enjoys being outdoors and planning her next adventure, although, having 2 young daughters and a Labrador keeps her pretty busy.
Stu Olden
Chief Executive Officer
With a career spanning over 40 years in engineering, commercial strategy, and business leadership, Stu brings a wealth of experience to SDO. A dynamic and results-driven leader, he specialises in helping engineering and technology organisations achieve their growth potential.
His expertise in defence, aerospace, and technical sectors, combined with a strategic mindset and extensive industry network, makes him a trusted partner for business transformation and growth.
Stu’s career began with 26 distinguished years in the Army (REME), where he honed his technical expertise across operational, support, and procurement roles. Transitioning to the private sector, he drove commercial success in consulting engineering and product delivery businesses, notably securing multi-million-pound contracts at Williams Advanced Engineering.
As CEO of SDO, he leads a growing team dedicated to driving business development, market expansion, and revenue growth for clients.
Beyond his commercial work, Stu is also a passionate advocate for community initiatives, championing sustainability and social impact projects.
Emily Hocking
Chief Operating Officer
Emily is an accomplished operations leader and Chartered Engineer with expertise in strategy development, programme delivery and business transformation. She delivers tailored operational and management services across engineering, manufacturing and sustainability sectors, helping businesses improve efficiency, scale effectively and achieve long-term growth. Leveraging her extensive experience, Emily supports organisations throughout the operational lifecycle, providing bespoke solutions that enhance performance, strengthen culture and drive measurable outcomes.
Previously, Emily has held senior leadership roles including Customer Operations Director, Head of Operations and Technology Programme Manager, where she successfully delivered initiatives in supply chain optimisation, new product introduction, ISO accreditation and global procurement transformation. Her career also includes supporting the commercialisation of new technologies and securing funding for innovative projects, ensuring organisations are equipped to thrive in competitive markets.
Outside of work, Emily likes to train and compete in triathlons, travel the world, enjoy the outdoors and spend time covered in glitter and unicorns with her two young girls!
LYDIA WARD
Marketing and Communications Manager
With a strong foundation in business management and customer service, Lydia brings energy, ambition, and a talent for delivering high-quality client experiences.
Recently graduated from the University of the West of England with a First-Class Honours degree in Business Management. During her studies, Lydia completed a successful placement year building valuable experience in marketing, sales, and account management across both B2B and B2C environments. Her responsibilities also included brand management, where she supported the brand through events, outreach, and marketing activity.
Lydia’s approach is shaped by her passion for communication, strategic thinking, and delivering outstanding service, qualities that play a key role in effectively marketing both the brand and its clients.
Outside of work, Lydia is an avid equestrian and enjoys attending music concerts and festivals.
Thomas Parry
Senior Account Manager
With a strong background in customer success, business development, and project execution, Tom is a client-focused professional committed to helping businesses achieve measurable growth.
Having managed large client portfolios, Tom specialises in building long-term relationships, optimising account management processes, and ensuring client needs are consistently met. His expertise includes implementing and streamlining CRM systems, improving workflows, and driving greater efficiency across service and sales functions.
Tom’s career has been defined by his ability to combine strategic thinking with hands-on delivery, from leading teams and overseeing multimillion-pound accounts to founding a copywriting agency, where he applied his entrepreneurial mindset to business development.
Alongside his work, Tom is completing a Higher International Diploma in Industrial Engineering and pursuing a diploma in Artificial Intelligence, highlighting his dedication to continuous growth in emerging technologies.
Outside of work, Tom enjoys hiking with his family and playing the piano.
Storm Ashleigh-Hudson
Account Manager
With two decades of experience in telemarketing, lead generation, and management, Storm is a results-driven professional dedicated to helping SMEs accelerate their growth.
As the founder of In a Teacup Lead Generation, she specialises in transforming business outreach through strategic data management, expert time optimisation, and the power of meaningful conversations.
Storm’s career has been built on a deep understanding of sales dynamics, client engagement, and operational efficiency, making her a trusted partner for businesses looking to expand their reach. Her expertise lies not only in generating high-quality leads but also in crafting sustainable strategies that drive long-term success.
Beyond her professional endeavours, Storm is currently pursuing a degree while also taking on the challenge of renovating a house.
Parokshee Jainwal
Junior Account Manager
Drawing on her background in psychology, stakeholder coordination, and operational support, Parokshee brings a thoughtful, organised, and client-focused approach to her role as Junior Account Manager.
She holds a BSc (Hons) in Psychology from Aston University, including a year in industry. During this time, Parokshee gained valuable experience within financial services and operational environments, supporting stakeholders, coordinating projects, and working across teams including risk management, compliance, and customer services.
Parokshee takes a considered and proactive approach to her work, underpinned by clear communication, strong organisation, and a genuine focus on understanding client needs. This allows her to support accounts efficiently, maintain positive working relationships, and play an active role in delivering reliable, high-quality outcomes for clients and the wider team.
In her spare time Parokshee enjoys listening to music, going on long walks, and baking as a way to unwind and recharge.
TIM VAUGHAN
Associate Lead
Tim is a seasoned defence and security professional with over 40 years of experience across the British military, Ministry of Defence, and international defence industries. With 24 years in military and MoD roles and 18 years in the private sector, he has deep expertise in defence procurement, capability development, and strategic business growth.
Tim has led successful business development efforts for defence primes, SMEs, and start-ups, securing major contracts in munitions, uncrewed systems, training and simulation, and advanced weapon technologies. His leadership has consistently driven revenue growth, market expansion, and strategic partnerships across the aerospace, defence, and security sectors.
Tim’s career highlights include delivering large-scale Test and Evaluation (T&E) programmes for the MoD, winning multimillion-pound contracts, and supporting export initiatives through the UK Defence Growth Partnership. With an MBA from the Open University and a Master’s in Defence Technology from Cranfield University, Tim brings a powerful blend of academic and operational expertise. Awarded an MBE for his distinguished service, he is recognised for his strategic leadership and commitment to innovation in complex, high-stakes environments.
In his spare time, Tim enjoys hill walking, yoga, brewing beer and learning to cultivate a hobby-sized vineyard.
Jenny Kavanagh
Aerospace Lead
Jenny is a Chartered Engineer with over 20 years’ experience in the aerospace sector, spanning programme management, business leadership, strategy, and business development. She has held senior leadership roles within global aerospace organisations, leading complex aircraft technology development programmes, overseeing regulated design and certification activities, and delivering major R&D initiatives.
She has also led strategic transitions within the aerospace sector, including work on hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion and low-emissions aviation, alongside responsibility for business development and strategic partnerships. Jenny now works as a freelance aviation consultant focused on aviation decarbonisation and joins SDO Associates as Aerospace Lead. As part of her role, she supports the Motorsport Industry Association in delivering the Motorsport to Aerospace initiative, helping high-performance engineering organisations translate their capabilities into aerospace opportunities.
Outside of work, Jenny enjoys singing, gardening, walking and spending quality time with family.
CLARE Olden
Head of HR and Policy
With over 20 years of senior leadership experience, Clare brings a people-first philosophy to her role as Shareholding Director and Head of HR and Policy at SDO.
Her career has been dedicated to building and leading high-performing, values-driven teams across the charity, childcare, welfare, and healthcare sectors.
Having operated at C-suite level throughout her career, Clare has consistently championed organisational culture, employee wellbeing, and the development of robust policies that support both individual and business growth. Her leadership is rooted in the belief that success is driven by people — their talent, motivation, and alignment with purpose.
At SDO, Clare leads the charge in shaping our internal culture, ensuring we attract, develop, and retain the very best talent to deliver for our clients. She plays a pivotal role in embedding inclusive, forward-thinking policies and fostering an environment where every team member can thrive.
Outside of work, Clare is a keen horse rider and an avid reader.