Hydra Manufacturing Appoints Professor Keith Jackson as Non-Executive Chair

Hydra Manufacturing has appointed Professor Keith Jackson as Non-Executive Chair of the Board, strengthening its leadership team as the company enters its next phase of growth.

Hydra is a University of Leeds spinout focused on production-grade ceramic additive manufacturing. Through its Ceramic Hybrid Additive Manufacturing (CHAMP) technology, the company combines paste extrusion and green machining to enable high-density, precision ceramic components suitable for advanced engineering applications.

As Hydra continues to develop and scale its technology, board-level guidance and industrial experience will play an increasingly important role.

Professor Keith Jackson brings extensive experience across advanced manufacturing, engineering and industrial leadership. He currently serves as Master Cutler of the Cutlers’ Company, a role that reflects longstanding contribution to UK industry and manufacturing excellence.

Louis Masters, CEO of Hydra Manufacturing, said:

“Keith’s experience and perspective will be invaluable as we move into this next stage. As we scale our CHAMP technology and engage with partners across high-performance engineering sectors, strong governance and strategic direction are critical. We’re pleased to welcome him as Non-Executive Chair.”

Professor Keith Jackson commented:

“I am honoured to join Hydra Manufacturing as Non-Executive Chair. The company’s CHAMP technology represents an important development within the ceramics sector, and I look forward to supporting the team as they build towards long-term growth and commercial deployment.”

Hydra’s focus remains on making production-grade ceramic manufacturing commercially practical and scalable. With growing interest in advanced ceramics across aerospace, energy and high-performance engineering sectors, the company is continuing to refine its process, expand development capability and strengthen its leadership structure.

The appointment of a Non-Executive Chair reflects Hydra’s commitment to building sustainable foundations as it scales.