Chris Thorold

Chris is responsible for all things financial, including safeguarding the assets of the company, reporting the financial position accurately and informing the future strategy of the business.

He is an experienced finance leader who has spent his career managing and leading organizations across critical industries in aerospace, defence, and technology. He has a particular interest in sustainability, innovation, and how finance can contribute to a better future for society.

Before joining Reaction Engines, Chris worked for companies across the UK, USA, and Europe, including BAE Systems, Babcock International and Marshall Aerospace, holding several senior finance positions.

Chris is in charge of all the other financial obligations too, including annual external audits, Companies House declarations, tax returns, PAYE, NI and VAT returns. But his importance to Reaction Engines goes far beyond that. He plays a vital part in providing the tools necessary to progress the technology, smoothly run the business, safeguard the assets and look after resources. The faithful reporting of the numbers is vital for the wider team to know where it stands to help shape the future direction of the company.

He’s also responsible for fundraising and investor relations, communicating with government funding partners, and treasury and cash management.

Chris has an MBA from Cambridge University, is a Fellow of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants, and has a BA in Accounting and Finance from Newcastle University.

Chris is also the non-executive Chairman of the Louis Thorold Foundation, a charity he founded to end road deaths of children worldwide.