Advanced engineering group AB Dynamics has appointed the former group finance director of the company behind the Williams Formula One racing as a non-executive director.
Louise Evans, who was most recently finance director at shipping services firm Braemar, joins AB’s board next week. She will also chair the firms audit and risk committee. 
AB Dynamics employs more than 160 people worldwide, the vast majority at its Bradford on Avon head office and factory, where it produces test systems for some of the world’s largest vehicle manufacturers.
A qualified chartered accountant, Louise Evans is also a board advisor to SCB Group, the low carbon commodity broker.
She said: “With its history of growth and technology development, AB Dynamics has built an impressive track record. I am delighted to join the board and look forward to working with the team.”
Chairman Tony Best added: “I am delighted to welcome Louise to our board. Louise is an experienced CFO with automotive industry experience and I very much look forward to working with her.”
Two weeks ago the group gave a trading update ahead of its financial results for the six months to February 29 in which it said it was continually monitoring the rapidly changing global situation regarding the Covid-19 pandemic.
It added: “Although it is difficult to predict its impact at this stage, the board anticipates that any potential deferred customer order intake and/or supply constraints will likely have an impact on the financial performance in the second half of the year.
“We have sufficient inventory levels to support ongoing production and alternative sources of supply for the majority of items that might be affected if the current situation continues into the longer term, absent any additional trade or travel restrictions.
“Clearly the global impact of Covid-19 is evolving however, we will keep the situation under close review and update investors on any material changes.”
It said its balance sheet remained strong with £35.2m in cash underpinning its investment plans.
The Covid-19 pandemic is expected to hit global car production hard with sales down by at least 15% over the next year. The automotive market in China, where coronavirus started, suffered a 79% slump in sales in February.
AB Dynamic’s results for the six months to February 29 are due to be released on April 22.
