Ian Bell has been appointed Group CEO of Pearson Engineering and daughter company Responsive Engineering as Craig Priday steps down as managing director of Pearson Engineering after 10 years in the role, the company reported on 27 March 2024.
Priday’s tenure ends on 2 April 20224 after having led Pearson Engineering’s transition from a family-owned business to a strategic asset for the UK, with contracts spanning major armoured vehicle programmes for the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) and international allies.
“I am extremely proud to have led such an exceptional company,” said Priday. “My sincere thanks go to the staff for their hard work and dedication, which has powered our growth and success over the last 10 years. I’m not quite ready for retirement yet, so I’m really pleased that I will be staying on the board as a non-executive director and my very best wishes for the future go to the amazing team of people who work here.”
Following a successful military career, Bell held several senior appointments across the commercial defence sector before joining Pearson Engineering and has an extensive background both within the UK MoD and internationally, having led several businesses across the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific.
“I am delighted to be taking the helm at such an important time in the development of Armstrong Works,” said Bell. “The site has a rich and important history in the North East as a centre of innovation and excellence for manufacturing in support of the UK’s armed forces. As our focus widens in support of the UK MoD and its allies globally, it is my privilege to be the group CEO in ensuring that Pearson Engineering and Responsive Engineering are both trusted partners to our customers and a national employer of choice, securing the legacy of Armstrong Works for future generations to come.”
Originally built in 1847 and with a long heritage of association with engineering for the UKL armed forces, the Armstrong Works site in Newcastle has received a number of investments from Pearson Engineering.
