SEA Barnstaple 5
Leaders Icon Our Leaders Meet those shaping the future of SEA.
Richard Richard Flitton Managing Director

Richard joined SEA as our Managing Director in January 2021. Throughout his career, he’s taken on senior technical and leadership roles in the UK and US, developing skills and people across the aerospace, defence, simulation, training, entertainment, and scientific sectors.

Richard Julia Whalvin Finance Director

Julia joined SEA in April 2020 as Finance and Commercial Director with responsibility for IT. A qualified management accountant (CIMA), Julia has experience in a number of sectors covering hospitality, global clinical research, and defence with Directorship experience globally.

Richard Valerie Steadman Human Resources Director

Valerie joined SEA as our Human Resources Director in September 2021. Valerie has extensive HR experience, developing culture, employee experience and people across sectors including motor, communications, and design.

Richard Simon Gould Business Development Director

Simon joined SEA in 2024 following more than three decades within the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) and related industry businesses. Simon has extensive experience in driving strategic growth, cultivating customer relationships, and delivering commercial success whilst shaping market engagement and long-term business strategy.

Richard Matt Clifford Operations Director

Matt joined SEA in 2025. He has over 20 years’ operational leadership experience across a variety of industries, building and scaling functions from concept to maturity across both global and start-up businesses. Matt brings expertise in compliance, continuous improvement, and modern manufacturing tools and systems.

Richard Kerry Parfitt Support & Services Director

Kerry joined SEA in 1996 as a business apprentice, progressing from a commercial role into project management. She is APMQ qualified with extensive experience across multiple support contracts, leading teams to deliver through-life support solutions. Focused on meeting evolving customer availability demands for in-service products, she and the team maintain effective project delivery and commercial insight.

Richard Steve Langbridge Director of Programmes

Steve joined SEA in 2024 and was appointed Director of Programmes in 2025. During his career he has held senior leadership positions in Project Delivery, Engineering, and Operations, where he has led large multinational teams, delivered complex programmes, and embedded operational excellence initiatives across businesses in a range of sectors.

Richard Steven Phillips Quality & Business Assurance Director

Steven joined SEA as our Business Assurance Director in June 2025. He brings over 20 years of experience in Quality and Operational Leadership roles in the Defence and Aerospace industries. Throughout his career, Steven has led teams delivering Business System Transformation and several Enterprise-wide Continuous Improvement projects.

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9 February

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