Nick Crofts Email & Phone Number

Newhaven, East Sussex, Gb

At Surrey NanoSystems, we are driven by a shared mission to change the world for the better. Our cutting-edge super-black coatings, including the world-renowned Vantablack, are enabling groundbreaking advancements in measurement and detection technologies. We specialize in solutions for stray light and IR suppression at all incidence angles.Our CNT-based coatings are deployed in critical applications across space (on satellites) and advanced instrumentation, where managing stray light and IR radiation is essential for performance.Additionally, our spray-applied materials are helping to overcome the barriers to Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), facilitating the development of technologies that will ultimately enable Full Self-Driving vehicles.I have the privilege of leading a talented, global team of technologists and innovators, rapidly commercializing these transformative technologies.

Forged a strategic partnership with the IKK Group in Saudi Arabia, securing Saudi Aramco as a key client and establishing a joint venture to locally produce composite rebar. Collaborating with the team to support regional giga-projects and advance this innovative technology. Participated in the opening of Oxagon in Neom. Now operating as joint GM on board in Saudi and holding company in UAE.

Delivering strategic expertise in business development, capital raising, and market expansion, while providing interim leadership solutions to drive growth and success of materials technology businesses.

Bristol, Gb

Appointed by Longacre Group for an interim assignment to develop and execute a growth strategy, driving direct global sales of contamination control solutions directly to the world's leading aerospace, automotive, defense, pharmaceutical and electronics businesses.• Reorganized the sales team, introduced HubSpot CRM, refocused the inside sales efforts, and developed playbooks to target new markets.• Achieved 12% growth in the first year, with revenue reaching £19M.Dycem continues to supply leading contamination control solutions to top pharmaceutical, electronics, and IT infrastructure companies worldwide."

Concord, North Carolina, Us

My entry into GFRP rebar began with a small, 6-person plant in Dubai, where I led efforts to secure venture capital for scaling operations in the USA.• Secured a $12M GFRP rebar project with Saudi Aramco.• Expanded the Dubai operation into a 40-person business to meet demand and built a dedicated sales team.• Leveraged funding to launch new startups for Mateenbar in Saudi Arabia and the USA, driving further growth and market presence.

Concord, North Carolina, Us

Owens Corning acquired Mateenbar USA at a $65M valuation, securing global technology rights. As part of the acquisition, I continued within Owens Corning to oversee the integration and drive the global expansion of the business.

Concord, North Carolina, Us

My mission was to deploy capital and establish Mateenbar in the USA.• Achieved product certification with ICC and state DOT approvals.• Transformed a 100,000 sq. ft. brownfield site into a 100-person, $20M operation.• Secured Owens Corning as a key customer and launched Pinkbar into major U.S. home improvement retailers, including The Home Depot and Lowe’s, rapidly replacing traditional steel rebar.• The business was successfully sold to Owens Corning in 2022.

Klagenfurt, At

Founded and led the merger of two market leaders, Hobas and Amiantit, to create a €300M turnover business with 1,500 employees and a 12% EBITDA.• Assembled and motivated a high-performing team around a growth strategy aimed at displacing metallic and concrete pipes.• Achieved €18M in synergy savings and secured a record-breaking order book.• Successfully implemented SAP and a new CRM system to streamline operations and enhance customer management.

Klagenfurt, At

My objective was to restructure operations and turn around €12M in losses on €125M in revenue, steering the business back to profitability.• Merged operations in Spain, Germany, and Poland to form Amiantit Europe, centralizing functions and transitioning Managing Directors into Sales VP roles. This restructuring saved €15M in overhead and delivered €8M EBITDA within three years.• Established communication with our main competitor and spearheaded the merger process.• Successfully navigated a complex merger control process in Brussels.• Collaborated with Rethinking Group and teams to craft a winning strategy and brand identity.• Partnered with EY and shareholders to develop a solid integration plan for long-term success.

Accrington, Lancashire, Gb

Appointed by a private equity firm to replace founding family members and build a stronger management team and commercial growth strategy. Served on the PE firm's main board.• Delivered 15% year-on-year growth by reshaping the product strategy, restructuring the sales team, and enhancing marketing assets.

Edinburgh, Scotland, Gb

Based in the Netherlands and working across Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, I reported directly to the Group CEO and was responsible for strategic market development, strengthening business links, and overseeing M&A activities.• Group businesses included: Colbond BV, Mehler Texnologies GmbH, Bonar Technical Fabrics, and Bonar Yarns.• Led the repositioning of our market-leading synthetic turf yarn business, leveraging a joint venture in the Middle East.Prior to this role, I worked with the Low and Bonar Flooring Division, Bonar Floors (March 2004 – August 2008), where I held various division and management positions, culminating in my role as Marketing & Export Sales Director.• Successfully repositioned Flotex as a leading European office flooring solution, including a notable exhibition at the London Design Museum

Galway, Ie

Following Tyco's $3B acquisition of Raychem in 1999, I took on a role of European Business Manager within Tyco's matrix structure, which was organized around product lines. I managed product line teams with revenues ranging from $30M to $60M, initially overseeing European Heatshrink Tubing and subsequently Automotive Sensors and Power Cables.• Developed a rigorous approach to overhead control and profit management under Tyco’s structure.• Navigated a competitive internal environment, selling to the sales force and competing with other product categories.• Engaged extensively with automotive Tier 1 suppliers, including Valeo, Yazaki, Lear, and Delphi.

Raychem was a Fortune 500 materials science company celebrated for its pioneering work in radiation chemistry. Its groundbreaking products are now essential in aircraft, mobile phones, and cars.I completed a rigorous 2-year polymer technology graduate training program, gaining experience in California, Swindon, Brussels, and Munich. I then transitioned into leading technical projects and eventually moved into product marketing, where I served as a Senior Product Manager for automotive harness and hose protection products.

Mba

Beng, 2(1) In Materials Science & Engineering

Chartered Engineer, Polymer/Plastics Engineering

Education record