Petards Joyce‑Loebl Limited (PJL), the Gateshead-based advanced security, communications, and surveillance technology specialist, has announced two significant leadership developments designed to accelerate growth across its rail operations.
In a landmark move, PJL has promoted General Manager Victoria Hodge to the position of Managing Director — the first time the company has appointed a Managing Director as its highest‑ranking executive. The promotion reflects Victoria’s rapid rise over almost eight years and aligns with Petards’ long‑term strategy for stability, succession planning, and sustained market expansion.
She added, “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.”
Looking ahead to a pivotal year for innovation, Victoria noted,
“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.”
She continued, “To realise 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 organisation that is equipped to lead our industries into the future.”
Victoria originally joined PJL as Bids & Service Manager within Petards Rail, progressing rapidly through Commercial Manager, Commercial & Operations Manager, and then General Manager. In her most recent role, she led the business through a major transformation programme, improving operational efficiency, strengthening quality standards, and building a high-performing leadership team.
Before joining Petards, Victoria held senior commercial leadership roles at BAE Systems, overseeing global projects, and later at DeepOcean, where she managed major offshore gas and renewables developments.
New Rail Business Development Manager Strengthens Commercial Focus
Petards Rail has also appointed Maria Walker as Business Development Manager, further boosting its commercial strength within the UK rail market. Maria brings extensive technical rail experience, having most recently worked at Telent Technology Services, where she expanded key Network Rail accounts and built strategic partnerships with Tier 1 contractors.
Her previous roles include Senior Sales & Account Manager for the UK & Ireland at Icomera, and Key Account Manager for Nomad Digital, delivering essential connectivity and safety solutions across the rail industry.
Maria will focus on managing PJL’s UK accounts while driving new growth opportunities both domestically and internationally.
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.”
Welcoming her to the leadership team, 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 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.”
Image credit: Petards Joyce‑Loebl Limited (PJL)
