Petards Joyce-Loebl Limited (PJL) has appointed a managing director for the first time, alongside a new business development manager for its rail division.
The Gateshead-based security, communications and surveillance technology company has promoted general manager Victoria Hodge to the newly created role. The move follows almost eight years with the business in a series of commercial and operational positions.
Victoria said, “As Managing Director, I look forward to championing and elevating Petard’s market presence and market share as our team builds on existing products and introduces innovative, pioneering Al technologies.
My focus is on strategic leadership, operational excellence, and ensuring Petards continues to drive sustainable growth and trading performance over the medium and long term. This will be achieved through the successful delivery of our existing order book and client commitments, alongside the execution of the company’s new product roadmap and the introduction of innovative solutions to the market.”
She added, “In 2026, the company will host a series of data-driven product trials within live client environments, creating a significant opportunity to accelerate growth, deepen industry insight, and advance innovation. Further updates on the progress of our product roadmap will be shared publicly, later this year.
“To realise this ambition, we have intentionally chosen to differentiate ourselves. Our team sees the future as an opportunity to reshape and redefine what is possible within our industries. Above all, our people remain our greatest asset. The continued development of our talent and culture through open engagement will be fundamental to building a forward-looking organisation that is equipped to lead our industries into the future.”
Victoria joined PJL as bids and service manager for Petards Rail and later held the roles of commercial manager and commercial and operations manager before becoming general manager. In that position she oversaw changes to operational processes and quality management and led the formation of a revised leadership structure.
Before joining the company, she worked for BAE Systems in senior commercial roles on international programmes and held a position at DeepOcean focused on offshore gas and renewable energy projects.
The rail division has also appointed Maria Walker as business development manager. She previously worked at Telent Technology Services, where she managed the development of Network Rail accounts and partnerships with Tier 1 contractors.
Her earlier roles include senior sales and account manager for the UK and Ireland at Icomera and key account manager at Nomad Digital, working on connectivity and safety systems for rail operators.
Maria will be responsible for managing UK customer accounts and supporting growth in the domestic market and in overseas sectors.
Maria said: “Petards Rail has a highly respected heritage and manufactures one of the largest sources of on-train CCTV systems in the UK. My role offers an exceptional opportunity to support and nurture our impressive client base, not least, as we gear up to the launch of an advanced tech enhancement that further supports rail passenger safety.”
Victoria Hodge said: “We are delighted to welcome Maria to our team. She joins the business at an exciting time which sees our 2026 order intake at an exceptional level.
Her wealth of experience within rail and record of achieving business growth and strategic partnerships will be invaluable as we continue to innovate our sector products and technology.”