Global composites manufacturer
Exel Composites has appointed Samantha Scudder as its new product manager for tubes and defence applications to support existing customer relationships and drive new business opportunities. Relocating from the US to Europe to join Exel, she will draw on five years of experience in the composites industry to help shape product strategy, identify new opportunities and support the productisation of Exel’s tube and defence offering.
Samantha brings a strong combination of technical and commercial experience to her new role. After studying chemistry in Texas, she completed her PhD at Oklahoma State University, where her NASA-funded research focused on solar cells for deep space applications and nanoparticle technologies for spacesuits. One of the projects she worked on was later implemented in a recent NASA mission.
Following her PhD, Samantha began her career as a formulation chemist before moving into a commercial role within the composites industry, where she developed a strong interest in sales and customer relations. Working primarily within the aerospace and defense sectors, she gained experience supporting advanced composites customers while continuing to apply her technical expertise in material and resin selection.
Samantha’s appointment comes at a time when demand for lightweight, high-performance composite tube solutions continues to grow, with Exel well positioned to support this through its expertise in continuous manufacturing technologies including pultrusion and pull-winding.
In her role as product manager, she will focus on identifying new opportunities, strengthening productisation and owning the strategic direction for tube and defense applications. This includes translating market needs and technical possibilities into clear product strategies, supporting sales with relevant offering development, and helping customers understand where composite tube solutions can create value.
She said: “My background in composite materials, combined with my customer-facing experience, makes this an exciting opportunity to support a growing area of Exel’s business. I enjoy working with customers and building relationships, and I hope to become a trusted partner.”
Although based in Europe, Samantha’s US background will also be helpful for fostering long-term relationships with North American composites customers. She will report to director of product management Antti Hassinen.
He said: “Samantha brings valuable insight from the US composites market, and she has already shown great enthusiasm for understanding both our products and customer needs. More markets are opening up for tube applications, and Samantha’s experience will help Exel identify opportunities across Europe and the US.”