Coachlines - September 2024

30.09.24 The Master Stephen Fitz-Gerald

Master’s message September 2024


It is an absolute honour and privilege for me to be elected and installed as the 347th Master of this magnificent Company. I was particularly proud to be installed in the presence of my son Matthew who became a father again in recent days, and my granddaughter Evie representing my daughter Lisa who has challenging health issues. Beverley and I hope to bring Lisa to a Company dinner soon that is more accessible for her.

I am very much looking forward to serving you all in the next 12 months and in every way I can. My theme for the year is the four ‘Fs’, that is Fellowship, Friendship, Fundraising and Fun. I am inspired by the aiming points established in Past Master Sarah Sillars’ year, shortly to be re-published in Coachlines; setting out our strategic goals as we move towards our 350th year since our charter was granted in 1677. We are increasing our giving to young people embarking on careers in the industries we support with scholarships, bursaries and Saturday clubs. We are already delivering on our strategy, but much more can be done.

I know my fellow Wardens will agree that we have been empowered to act as a tight team with this clear mandate. We are certainly up for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead and I very much look forward to working with you all.

In recent years our company has been pre-eminent in two major constituent industries: that of aerospace and automotive. For those of you unfamiliar with my background I am a defence guy. My last role was as Group Managing Director Maritime & Land at QinetiQ, where I was responsible for the delivery of all testing, trials and training for our armed forces in the air, land and maritime domains.

Previously, I was CEO of the Marshall Defence and Aerospace Group, President of Cobham Aviation Services Division, and Group Commercial Director for BAE Systems Avionics.

I am proud to bring the defence industry to the fore as it has become increasingly important in a world facing uncertainty and danger. It is any government’s first priority to protect its citizens and support its armed forces. The defence industry is now an increasingly strategic area for the UK.

We are also, of course, very proud of our military affiliates and we respect the service and protection that our military men and women provide for us 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

I am looking forward to increasing engagement and dialogue with our membership this year; this will include increased attendance at our dinners and social events. We are always open to suggestions on how to make our events more inclusive, attractive and entertaining; please do share your ideas with the Clerk.

Lastly, a vibrant membership is vital for the wellbeing of our Company and its support for our charitable activities. It is important that we continue to grow, and this is one of the key aiming points. If you have friends, colleagues and acquaintances that you feel would benefit from the fellowship of our Livery and would be attracted to our charitable aims, contact Assistant Rakesh Sharma OBE, who chairs the Membership Committee, or the Clerk.

There is also more information here on joining the company: https://www.coachmakers.co.uk/joining/.