Petards Joyce-Loebl Limited (PJL), a tech company specializing in advanced security, communication, and surveillance systems, has announced the promotion of Victoria Hodge from General Manager to Managing Director.
The company, based in Gateshead, has also fortified its commercial operations in the Petards Rail division by appointing Maria Walker as Business Development Manager. Notably, this is the first instance where PJL has named a Managing Director as its top executive role, underscoring its dedication to succession planning, stability, and strategic growth.
Exceptional Career Progression
The advancement of Victoria Hodge follows nearly eight years of significant career development at the company.
Speaking on her new role, Victoria stated, “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 AI technologies.” Her vision focuses on strategic leadership and operational excellence, aiming to drive sustainable growth and enhance trading performance over the medium and long term through the successful execution of current client commitments and new product innovations.
Forward-Looking Organization
Victoria also announced plans for 2026, when the company will conduct data-driven product trials
Looking to the future, Victoria also announced plans for 2026, when the company will conduct data-driven product trials within live client environments, aiming to accelerate growth and foster innovation.
She emphasized the importance of their team in achieving this vision, stating that, “Our people remain our greatest asset,” and that open engagement will be crucial for building a future-ready organization.
Strong Leadership Team
Victoria's journey within PJL began as Bids & Service Manager for Petards Rail, where she quickly rose through the ranks, assuming roles such as Commercial Manager and General Manager.
Her leadership has been pivotal in the company's transformation, enhancing operational efficiencies and quality standards. Before joining Petards, her career included senior leadership roles in BAE Systems, handling global projects, and a senior position at DeepOcean, focusing on offshore gas and renewables developments.
Developing Strategic Partnerships
Petards Rail has appointed Maria Walker as Business Development Manager
In addition to Victoria's promotion, Petards Rail has appointed Maria Walker as Business Development Manager.
Maria brings valuable experience from the technical rail industry, having previously expanded key accounts at Telent Technology Services and developed strategic partnerships. She also held positions at Icomera and Nomad Digital, focusing on connectivity and safety solutions. At Petards Rail, Maria will oversee UK business accounts and focus on growth both domestically and internationally.
Advanced Tech Enhancement
Maria expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “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, especially as we prepare to launch an advanced tech enhancement aimed at further supporting rail passenger safety.”
Victoria Hodge added, “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 experience in rail and history of achieving business growth and strategic partnerships will be invaluable as we continue to innovate our sector products and technology.”
Petards Joyce-Loebl Limited (PJL), advanced security, communication and surveillance system tech firm, has promoted General Manager, Victoria Hodge, to the position of Managing Director. The Gateshead-based firm has also strengthened its commercial operations for the Petards Rail division with the appointment of Maria Walker, as Business Development Manager.
This is the first time that the company has appointed a Managing Director as the highest-ranking executive of PJL. It follows almost eight years of exceptional career progression for Victoria and aligns with Petard’s commitment to succession planning, stability, and growth.
Exceptional career progression
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.”
Forward-looking organization
“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 realize 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 organization that is equipped to lead our industries into the future.”
Strong leadership team
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 joining Petards, 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.
Developing strategic partnerships
Petards Rail also 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.
Advanced tech enhancement
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, Managing Director, 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.”
