Petards Joyce-Loeble Limited (PJL), has promoted Victoria Hodge to the position of Managing Director. The business has also strengthened its commercial operations for with the appointment of Maria Walker as Business Development Manager.
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 business growth and trading performance.”
Victoria joined PJL as Bids & Service Manager for Petards Rail where numerous achievements elevated her to Commercial Manager, Commercial & Operations Manager and onwards, to General Manager. As General Manager, Victoria led the business through a period of transformation, improving operational efficiencies and enhanced quality standards and building a strong leadership team. Prior to this, Victoria spent a decade with BAE Systems in senior commercial leadership roles with responsibility for worldwide projects and a senior role at DeepOcean where she led on global offshore gas and renewables developments.
Petards Rail welcomes Maria Walker as Business Development Manager. Maria brings a wealth of experience in the technical rail industry. She joins us from Telent Technology Services where Maria managed the expansion of key Network Rail accounts and developed strategic partnerships with Tier 1 contractors. Previously, Maria was a Senior Sales & Account Manager, UK & Ireland, for Icomera and a Key Account Manager for Nomad Digital, delivering business-critical connectivity, safety, and operational solutions.
Maria will be responsible for managing Petard Rail’s UK business accounts and driving growth within and beyond the UK sector.
Maria told us: “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 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.”