People in composites: April 2024

TFP Hydrogen Products appoints CTO to lead advanced materials growth

Dr. David Hodgson, CTO of TFP.

TFP Hydrogen Products (Burneside, U.K.) — the hydrogen division of Technical Fibre Products (TFP) — has announced the appointment of Dr. David Hodgson as chief technology officer (CTO) at TFP, a manufacturer of advanced materials for composites and future energy applications. In this role, Hodgson will lead the global Advanced Materials Innovation Group, which encompasses TFP Hydrogen partnering with the TFP leadership team to enable innovation and growth strategies.

“The strategic appointment of David as our CTO comes at a pivotal time in the company’s growth journey,” says Steve Adams, CEO of the James Cropper Group. “This newly created role will bring together our R&D and technical functions under a central leader, fostering collaboration and using the strengths of our global teams. It reinforces our commitment to innovation and ensures we have the right leadership in place to continue to pioneer new advanced materials, supercharging growth opportunities in markets including aerospace and advanced air mobility [AAM], wind energy, battery, automotive and hydrogen.”

Hodgson brings a wealth of experience to his new position, as he transitions from founder and managing director of TFP Hydrogen, formally PV3, which he founded in 2011 and was acquired by James Cropper PLC in 2021. Under his leadership, TFP Hydrogen, which focuses on delivering efficient solutions to PEM electrolyzer manufacturers, developed a range of novel solutions for water electrolysis.

A distinguished leader in industrial electrochemistry, Hodgson has successfully developed and commercialized a number of electrochemical technologies, including advanced coatings and catalysts for water electrolyzers and the chlor-alkali industry. With more than 30 years in applied electrochemistry, his expertise spans electrolysis, flow batteries, molten salt electrochemistry, fuel cells and water treatment.

In 2022, Hodgson was honored with the Castner Medal, a biennial award which is presented by the Society of Chemical Industry (SCI) Electrochemical Technology group to those considered to be authorities in applied electrochemistry. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and has played a pivotal role in the hydrogen industry, managing a portfolio career since 2009, including advisory roles and collaboration with the Department for International Trade, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the U.K. energy sector. He also serves as a visiting professor at Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre, part of Manchester Metropolitan University, identifying new technology advancements in the field of both fuel cell and water electrolysis.

Edward Hall nominated to join TPI Composites board of directors

In early April, TPI Composites Inc. (TPI, Scottsdale, Ariz., U.S.) announced that Edward “Ned” Hall has been nominated to join its board of directors, and if elected, will become a director, a decision effective upon the conclusion of TPI’s annual meeting of stockholders on May 29. TPI has also announced that Philip Deutch and Linda Hudson are retiring from TPI’s board of directors, effective upon the conclusion of TPI’s annual meeting of stockholders. Deutch and Hudson have served as directors since 2007 and 2020, respectively.

“We are excited to have Ned join our board,” says Bill Siwek, TPI’s president and CEO. “We will greatly benefit from Ned’s extensive experience in the wind and renewable energy industries to help support our long-term strategy.”

“We also want to thank Phil and Linda for their many contributions to TPI, especially Phil who served as a director for 17 years and was with us from our very early days in wind,” says Steven Lockard, TPI’s chairman of the board.

Hall has more than 35 years of experience in all facets of the electricity industry. He currently serves as an independent director of the following companies: Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure plc since August, 2022; chairman of the board of Cypress Creek Renewables since October 2018; vice chairman of Japan Wind Development Co. since December 2016; and Wellesley Municipal Light Plant since October 2022. Hall spent 25 years of his career with AES Corp. in various senior management roles, and served as chief operating officer (COO) of global generation from September 2011 to February 2013. He has also previously served on the boards of General Cable, Globeleq, TerraForm Power and Green Conversion Systems.

Hall earned a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Tufts University and M.S. in finance and technology Innovation from the MIT Sloan School of Management.

IDI Composites announces new manager of polymer chemistry

Donald (Do Hyun) Kim, IDI Composites manager of polymer chemistry.

IDI Composites International (Noblesville, Ind., U.S.) announces the addition of Donald (Do Hyun) Kim to the IDI Technology team, where he will serve as the manager of polymer chemistry. Kim brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the organization, which will play a role in driving IDI’s product development efforts as it continues to expand operations.

Kim’s professional journey is marked by a series of notable achievements and qualifications. His industry experience spans various sectors, including electronics, aerospace, automotive and renewable energy. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated proficiency in polymer synthesis, formulations and composites development, with a particular focus on product conceptualization and commercialization.

Furthermore, Kim has exhibited strong leadership skills in project management, successfully leading cross-functional teams and overseeing multiproject initiatives. His technical acumen is reflected in his mastery of analysis, characterization and quality control methodologies.

Prior to joining IDI Technology, Donald held roles in prominent organizations. At Groupe Stahl, he served as the R&D manager of coating technologies, contributing to developments in heat transfer film and graphic film. Additionally, as the composite R&D manager at Hanwha Azdel, he specialized in automotive composites and conducted extensive market research on carbon fiber composites. During his tenure as the executive senior director of R&D Center at Millinet Solar, Kim established intellectual properties related to solar modules and led national R&D projects.

His educational background further bolsters his expertise. Kim holds a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, with a dissertation focusing on epoxy resin phase separation behavior. Additionally, he completed an MBA program specializing in global management, and pursued a post-doctorate course exploring devolatilization simulation for Air Force resin at Washington University in St. Louis.

His technical proficiency encompasses various composites manufacturing technologies, including prepreg, infrastructure repair carbon sheet and composites tank development. Furthermore, he is skilled in analytical techniques such as thermal analysis, mechanical testing and instrumental analysis.

Integrated Graphene prepares for global growth with COO appointment

Integrated Graphene (Stirling, U.K.) has appointed Andrew Lacey to a newly created position of COO. Lacey will be responsible for developing Integrated Graphene’s global manufacturing capabilities, enabling commercial quantity international selling of its Gii nanomaterial into North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions.

Andrew Lacey, COO of Integrated Graphene.

Gii is a carbon-based 3D structure created by Integrated Graphene through a patented manufacturing process. The nanomaterial delivers optimal sensitivity and sustainability. The company’s customers include point-of-care medical diagnostic tests providers.

Lacey brings decades of extensive experience in operational leadership, manufacturing operations and commercialization to Integrated Graphene. A chartered engineer by training, he has created and executed complex manufacturing processes for items big and small, from textiles to automotive. His experience includes developing a new multi-facility manufacturing footprint for Volvo Car Corp. and as general manager of a $250 million business for manufacturing operation of safety supplier Autoliv, both while working in China. Lacey returned to the U.K. in 2017 following periods of work in Turkey, Sweden and the U.K., consulting for PwC on operational improvement and capital projects for a range of industries.

“Andrew’s appointment underscores Integrated Graphene’s commitment to building a world-class leadership team capable of driving sustainable growth and delivering exceptional value to customers and partners,” Jean-Christophe Granier, CEO at Integrated Graphene, says. “Andrew’s leadership skills and deep understanding of operational dynamics will be instrumental in accelerating our growth trajectory and strengthening our position in graphene-based technologies.”

Robin Hayes selected to lead Airbus in North America

Robin Hayes, Airbus Americas Inc. chairman and CEO.

Airbus SE (Herndon, Virg., U.S.) has announced that C. Jeffrey Knittel is retiring as chairman and CEO of Airbus Americas Inc. effective June 3, 2024, after serving as the region’s top executive since 2018. He will remain with Airbus through a transition period. Robin Hayes, former CEO of JetBlue Airways, has been selected to succeed him.

Hayes brings 35 years of global aerospace leadership to Airbus, having served in a series of senior executive roles at British Airways over the course of his 19-year tenure, and JetBlue, where he was CEO for 9 years. From 2020 to 2022, Hayes was chair of the IATA’s Board of Governors, where he championed the association’s commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Hayes will report to Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury.

“I am delighted to welcome Robin to Airbus,” says Faury. “Together with the leadership team, we’re looking forward to having Robin and his vast industry experience onboard to further deliver on our strategic objectives for the region across all the Airbus businesses and further grow our North American footprint. I want to thank Jeff for his many contributions to Airbus’ success over the years, and I wish him all the best for a well deserved retirement.”

As chairman and CEO, Hayes will lead the commercial aircraft business, and will have responsibility for coordination among the company’s helicopters, space and defense businesses in North America. The region has more than 10,000 Airbus employees across 50 sites. Additionally, Airbus spends $15 billion annually with more than 2,000 U.S. suppliers in over 40 states.

“After some time off, I am excited and energized to join Airbus and build on the success in the region. I have known Jeff and the Airbus team for well over a decade and I believe they have done a terrific job leading Airbus in the Americas. It is an honor for me to take up this opportunity to be part of the Airbus team,” says Hayes. “Airbus’ commitment to safety and decarbonization is important to me personally, and I am motivated by and committed to contributing to the Airbus purpose to pioneer sustainable aerospace.”

During Knittel’s tenure, Airbus has grown its presence in the Americas and expanded its industrial and manufacturing footprint, doubling the region’s commercial aircraft deliveries. Knittel brought 40 years of aviation finance, leasing and manufacturing experience to Airbus, previously serving as president of CIT Aerospace and CIT Transportation Finance.

“My time at Airbus has been a privilege and I am proud of what the team has accomplished during our time together. We significantly increased revenues, grew market share and expanded our presence and operational footprint across all three Airbus businesses,” says Knittel. “The future is bright for Airbus in the region, as it is well-positioned to continue on its growth trajectory. Robin’s vast aviation experience, depth of knowledge and industry relationships make him the right choice at the right time to lead the organization into the future in line with the company’s global ambition. I look forward to watching the team reach new heights under Robin’s leadership.”