On our first episode of this Manufacturing Matters podcast , we are thrilled to welcome a friend to our firm, and powerhouse in business transformation and strategic leadership, Kate Davies.

Kate is a seasoned change agent with a remarkable track record of driving operational excellence and strategic change across the manufacturing and engineering sectors. With board-level experience in both UK and European companies, including Private Equity-backed and FTSE 100 firms.

Kate has led major turnarounds, restructured business models, and implemented governance frameworks that have delivered real, measurable impact. She’s held senior leadership roles with world class manufacturers such as Rolls Royce, General Electric, and Alstom, and most recently served as COO and Managing Director at BRUSH, where she led a cultural and operational transformation that turned a loss-making business unit into a 20%+ EBITDA success story in under a year.

Kate is also the founder of Rufus Wren Ltd, where she continues to advise top-tier clients on governance, risk, and business transformation. Beyond the boardroom, she’s a passionate advocate for STEM education, actively supporting initiatives like National Interviewing Week and National Apprentice Week, and serves as a trustee for Stratford Upon Avon Municipal Charities.