AB Dynamics has appointed its CFO, Sarah Matthews-DeMers, as its next CEO, taking on the role from December this year.
She will succeed James Routh, who will step down from the board on 30th November and remain with the business until the end of 2025 to ensure a smooth handover.
Routh is set to lead fellow listed firm Victrex from the beginning of 2026.
The board said Matthews-DeMers had been a standout candidate following a rigorous search process led by chairman Dick Elsy.
The listed company, which provides advanced automotive test systems, simulation tools and engineering services, has been spearheaded by Routh for the past 8 years.
“As an architect of our value creation plan, Sarah has been an instrumental part of the leadership team that has transformed the group over the last six years,” said Elsy.
“I am delighted that she has accepted the opportunity to lead the group in the next phase of its development, as we execute on our growth and operational performance plans and take advantage of our unique position in an evolving industry underpinned by structural growth drivers towards greater safety, sustainability and efficiency in global transport markets.”
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Matthews-DeMers added: “The heritage of the group, being a West of England engineering business, is close to my heart and the technology the group has developed at its locations across the globe is world-leading.
“I look forward to working with the board, my executive team and all my colleagues to ensure we delight our customers and fulfil our potential over the long term.”
A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales, Matthews-DeMers spent 14 years with PwC before holding senior finance and strategy roles at Avon Rubber, Rotork and Carclo.
She joined Bradford on Avon-based AB Dynamics in 2019 and has served as CFO since then.
The company has begun the process of identifying her successor as CFO, with the finance team continuing to report to Matthews-DeMers in the interim.
Its share price has not been majorly impacted by the news, sitting at 1,345p, while it has a market cap of around £310 million.