Our Team
Wescom Group Senior Executive Team
Ross Wilkinson
CEO
Ross joined Wescom in 2020 and leads the group strategic growth plans and core management team. Prior to this, Ross held several senior management positions over a 20-year career within the Marine and Defence market sectors.
Ross served as Vice President, Northern Europe for Survitec Group, where he was instrumental in driving consistent growth and profitability. This followed on from his position as General Manager at Orolia Group (formally Mcmurdo), where he led the business into a new phase of product innovation.
Leanne Millar
CFO Wescom Group
Leanne drives the capital structure of the Group, managing the finance functions and determining key areas of efficiency and growth.
Before joining in 2020, Leanne served as Finance Director and Group Financial Controller for Survitec Group, where she worked for 13 years. She was also responsible for the financial integration of over 18 acquisitions completed over the period.
Leanne’s previous roles included senior positions at Caterpillar and PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Jan-Dirk Hellwege
VP Global Manufacturing
Jan-Dirk joined the business in 2004 and is responsible for the Group’s manufacturing and operational capabilities.
Over the 18 years Jan-Dirk has been instrumental in driving operational excellence throughout the business, implementing a high level of quality and automation, and ensuring all customer requirements are achieved.
He also holds the position of Managing Director in Wescom Germany, the groups largest manufacturing and distribution subsidiary. Previously to Wescom Jan-Dirk held various senior positions in key Defence companies across Germany and overseas.
David Griffiths
VP Defence Sales
David leads the Wescom Defence business and is responsible for the overall strategy and direction of the division, he joined the business in 2020 and has over 30 years’ experience in the sector driving growth and building high performing teams.
Previously, David was responsible for the Defence and Aerospace business for Survitec Group as Vice President Sales, managing the sales and distribution network operating in over 50+ countries.
David started within the defence business as a trainee designer in 1989 responsible for the design, development and qualification of numerous Defence products, notably Aircrew Clothing Assemblies for UK MoD and EUROFIGHTER Typhoon.
David Duffin
VP Marine Sales
David leads the Marine business and is responsible for the overall strategy of the division, driving Wescom Group’s core and new technologies in maritime signalling and rescue products.
Having joined Wescom Group at the start of 2023, he has over 30 years experience in the marine industry. For the last 15 years he has held senior roles delivering growth with market leading manufacturers of marine safety equipment through key global and regional distribution partners.
Gavin Gillespie
Group Operations Director
Gavin is responsible for providing support to the leadership teams of several newly acquired businesses and overseeing their integration into Wescom Group.
Gavin has over 30 years’ experience in management roles for global manufacturing and engineering organisations, focused on operational excellence and lean manufacturing deployments, in a wide range of industries, including Aerospace, Marine, Defence and Industrial Sectors.
J.P. McKnight
Group Supply Chain Director
J.P. McKnight is Wescom Group’s Group Supply Chain Director. J.P. brings an impressive track record spanning over 30 years in Supply Chain management and Procurement, with a specialised focus on supply chain development and value creation. His extensive background includes senior roles within the demanding Electronics, Marine Safety, Defence Safety, and Aerospace industries, where he consistently demonstrated expertise in navigating complex logistical challenges. J.P.’s wealth of cross-sector experience and global strategic insight will be instrumental in optimising Wescom Group’s operational efficiencies and enhancing value across our global supply chains.
Matt Oakley
Group HSE Director
Matt Oakley is Group HSE Director and is responsible for providing HS&E advice and support to the leadership team and oversees regulatory and legal compliance with applicable HS&E regulations across the Wescom Group. Matt has over 30 years’ experience in HS&E, with a particular focus on high hazard manufacturing sites in the Civil and Defence Nuclear industries and Explosives industry. Starting on the shop floor, Matt has worked his way through all levels of HS&E management, including senior roles in the Rolls-Royce Nuclear, Urenco, Chemring and Esterline Wallop Defence.
Our company steadfastly believes in safety and survival. We do not take shortcuts. Wescom Group shares the same mindset.
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