Six Months In: David Hood Reflects on His Journey as Financial Controller at Petards Rail

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David Hood, who joined Petards Rail as Financial Controller six months ago, brings a fresh perspective to the rail industry.

Q: David, it’s been six months since you joined Petards Rail as Financial Controller. How has the journey been so far?

A: It’s been an exciting and rewarding journey. Joining Petards Rail at a time of growth and innovation has been both challenging and fulfilling. My focus has been on enhancing our financial processes to support the company’s ambitious goals, and it’s been gratifying to see the positive impact of those improvements on our operations.

Q: What were some of the initial challenges you faced when you started?

A: One of the main challenges was getting up to speed with the complexities of the rail sector, including its regulatory requirements and financial nuances. The industry is rapidly evolving, with increasing demands for safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Aligning our financial strategies with these industry-specific needs required a significant learning curve.

Integrating new processes while ensuring compliance and financial transparency was also challenging. Our recent achievements, such as winning the Asset Management Excellence award and receiving an EcoVadis Platinum rating, reflect our dedication to meeting these challenges head-on.

Q: How did you approach overcoming these challenges?

A: It was all about collaboration and leveraging the wealth of experience within our team. Working closely with other departments, such as procurement and engineering, allowed us to streamline financial operations and align them with our broader strategic objectives. I also focused on strengthening our financial reporting to provide clearer insights that support decision-making at all levels of the company.

Another key factor was embracing technology to improve efficiency. By optimising our financial systems and processes, we’ve been able to better manage costs, forecast more accurately, and support the company’s growth strategy.

Q: The rail industry is constantly evolving. How do you see your role contributing to Petards Rail’s future success?

A: My role is all about ensuring that we have a solid financial foundation to support our strategic ambitions. As the industry moves towards greater digitalisation and sustainability, Petards Rail is well-positioned to lead with our innovative technologies. I’m focused on driving financial strategies that support product development and market expansion, ensuring we remain agile and prepared for future challenges.

Additionally, my goal is to continue building on our recent successes, such as our award recognitions and certifications, by driving initiatives that enhance financial performance while also contributing to operational excellence across the company.

Q: Looking ahead, what are you most excited about in your role?

A: I’m excited about the continued growth and the opportunity to be part of a company that’s shaping the future of rail technology. We have a strong pipeline of projects and innovations, and I’m looking forward to supporting these initiatives financially and strategically.

I’m also excited about the potential for further integration of advanced technologies into our financial operations, which will help us stay ahead of the curve as we navigate the industry’s evolving landscape.

Find out more about our rail solutions here or contact our team to find out how our intelligent train technology can help your business.

Six Months In: David Hood Reflects on His Journey as Financial Controller at Petards Rail

News

David Hood, who joined Petards Rail as Financial Controller six months ago, brings a fresh perspective to the rail industry.

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