Following consistently high management performance, Rory Wilde has been promoted to the board of Directors at North Defence.
In his new position, Rory Wilde will continue to drive the production and production management teams as effectively and efficiently as possible throughout the company’s ongoing growth.
Mr Wilde commented on the promotion: “I’ve worked proudly for Oliver (North) for almost 20 years, and in that time, we’ve learned how to manufacture to a genuinely world-class standard.
“Management of all aspects of manufacturing is nothing less than an art form, which I love the challenge of. In my elevated role, I aim to intensify our quest towards our version of perfection.”
Rory Wilde and Oliver North’s story in business is a unique one, with the pair growing up in the same village as best friends. After joining different divisions of the military at 17 years old in 1999, North employed Rory Wilde for North Fire in 2008, some months after starting the company.
Wilde eventually became the company’s foreman, and following a wholehearted switch to military production in 2025, Wilde continued to drive production management to an exceptional level.
Oliver North, added: “All the process efficiency in the world can never wholeheartedly replace situational production instinct and knowledge, in parallel with driving individual passion throughout every member of the team.
“Rory has more instinct in this respect than anyone I’ve ever worked with in the past. His promotion has been earned through almost two decades of effort and continuous learning – and, overlayed with sophisticated systems and processes – it gives us the edge to drive us through the current phase of growth.”
North Defence’s production team recently commenced production of over 130 Gen2 light mobility vehicles, which you can read about here.
