Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Hardide Coatings appoints Rob Holmes as VP Aerospace

Aerospace Defence

Hardide Coatings appoints Rob Holmes as VP Aerospace

Advanced surface coating technology company, Bicester based Hardide Coatings, has appointed Rob Holmes as VP Aerospace as the company targets strategic growth in the aerospace and defence sectors.

Above: Rob Holmes, VP Aerospace, Hardide Coatings Ltd.
Courtesy Hardide Coatings

Rob joins from Nasmyth Group where he spent 10 years in senior business development positions in the global aerospace industry. Most recently he was Aerospace Development Executive responsible for the long-term development of global aerospace markets, specialising in the UK, EU and Asia Pacific. Rob has 25 years of engineering industry experience, of which 17 years is in aerospace. His career has encompassed engineering, project management and senior sales and commercial roles.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle

Rob will be responsible for developing business opportunities in the aerospace and defence sectors for Hardide Coatings’ range of nanostructured tungsten carbide/tungsten metal matrix composite coatings. Aerospace and defence customers currently include Airbus, BAE Systems, Leonardo Helicopters, Lockheed Martin and Triumph Group.

Rob said: “I am pleased to be joining a company with such a strong reputation for technical excellence. The Hardide coating technology allows the aerospace primes to be fully compliant with global and ethical environmental factors while also optimising the performance of parts and reducing operational costs. There are many opportunities in the vast aerospace and associated industries’ supply chain for the coating technology and I am looking forward to supporting its commercial development.”

Philip Kirkham, CEO of Hardide plc commented: “The aerospace and defence sectors are strategic growth areas for the company and Rob’s extensive international experience, knowledge and contacts in our target areas will be a real asset to the company.”

Hardide Coatings is a Hardide plc company. It develops, manufactures and applies advanced technology tungsten/tungsten carbide metal matrix coatings to a wide range of high wear/high value engineering components. Its patented technology is unique in combining, in one material, a mix of toughness and resistance to abrasion, erosion and corrosion; together with the ability to coat accurately interior surfaces and complex geometries. 

The material is proven to offer dramatic improvements in component life, particularly when applied to components that operate in very aggressive environments. This results in cost savings through reduced downtime and increased operational efficiency.  Customers include leading companies operating in oil and gas exploration and the production, valve and pump manufacturing, precision engineering and aerospace industries.

Advertisement
ODU RT

 

 

Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB
Returning to STEM after career break becomes harder than ever

Aerospace Defence Security Space

Returning to STEM after career break becomes harder than ever

4 February 2026

Returning to STEM industries after a career break is now harder than ever, according to new research by STEM Returners, with bias against gender, age, ethnicity and a lack of recent experience penalising highly qualified people from getting a job.

Aston University and Aurrigo to enhance AVs with AI

Aerospace

Aston University and Aurrigo to enhance AVs with AI

4 February 2026

Aston University has joined forces with Aurrigo, to develop AI to make its airport autonomous vehicles (AVs) fleet even more efficient, responsive and sustainable.

IBA and STS launch asset management and advisory partnership

Aerospace

IBA and STS launch asset management and advisory partnership

4 February 2026

IBA Group Limited and Shannon Technical Services (STS) have announced a new partnership designed to meet increasing demand from aircraft lessors, airlines and MROs for integrated aircraft data, advisory and technical support services.

UK-Japan partnerships advance quantum and future connectivity tech

Aerospace Defence Security Space

UK-Japan partnerships advance quantum and future connectivity tech

4 February 2026

Joint investments will advance quantum technology, boost digital connectivity and strengthen network resilience against cyber threats.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
Tigerair Taiwan orders four A321neo aircraft

Aerospace

Tigerair Taiwan orders four A321neo aircraft

4 February 2026

Tigerair Taiwan has signed a purchase agreement with Airbus for four A321neo aircraft, marking the airline’s first order for this type.

Cranfield steps up in 2026 QS Sustainability Rankings

Aerospace

Cranfield steps up in 2026 QS Sustainability Rankings

3 February 2026

Cranfield University has strengthened its global position in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026 – now ranking in the top 10% of universities worldwide.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB