Hampson appoints new chief executive

20 July 2010

Hampson appoints new chief executive

The Board of Hampson Industries PLC ("Hampson"), the global aerospace group, is pleased to announce the appointment of Norman Jordan as Chief Executive from 1 September. 

Mr Jordan, 51, joins Hampson from Labinal SA, the Toulouse-based subsidiary of French defence and aerospace group Safran, where he has been chairman and chief executive since 2006. Labinal currently employs more than 7,000 employees worldwide. 

Between 2002 and 2006 Mr Jordan, a US national, headed the North America Wiring Division of Labinal Inc., having initially joined the company in 2000 as vice president of Labinal Aero Defense Systems, the US subsidiary of Snecma SA. Prior to joining Labinal, Mr Jordan held a number of executive positions within major aerospace companies including B/E Aerospace, Fairchild Controls (EADS) and AlliedSignal (Honeywell). He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the Arizona State University.

Commenting on the appointment, Chris Geoghegan, chairman of Hampson Industries, said: "We are delighted to welcome Norman on board. With 30 years' experience in the aerospace sector and an excellent knowledge of the US and European markets, he is the ideal candidate for the job. He has developed an international reputation for his ability to grow businesses and enhance profitability. His excellent relationship with some of our most valued customers will greatly benefit Hampson.

 "We are confident that Norman will rise to the challenge of consolidating and extending Hampson's market leadership."

There are no further details to be disclosed under paragraphs 9.6.13 (1) to (6) of the Listing Rules in relation to the appointment.

For further information:

Marylene Guernier/Ed Orlebar, M:Communications +44 (0)20 7920 2369/2323

Notes to editors:

About Hampson:

The Group's operations are structured into three business segments, serving primarily the global commercial and military aerospace from manufacturing facilities in the UK, North America and India.

Hampson is a world leader in the design and manufacture of close tolerance tooling and assembly systems for composite and metallic aero structures.

The Group employs approximately 1,400 people worldwide. 

Hampson Industries PLC is listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange (Symbol: HAMP).

For more information on Hampson: www.hampsongroup.com

About Labinal:

Labinal SA, one of Safran Group's high tech companies, is a world leader in the field of electrical wiring systems design, engineering& technology, manufacturing and services for the aerospace market. It has operations in eight countries worldwide.

Safran is a leading international high-technology group with three core businesses: Aerospace (propulsion and equipment), Defense and Security. Operating worldwide, the Safran group has 55,000 employees and generated sales exceeding 10.4 billion euros in 2009. Safran is listed on NYSE Euronext Paris and is a constituent of the SBF 120 and Euronext 100 indexes.