The chair of AIM-listed training technology company Pennant International Group has died, the business has confirmed. John Ponsonby passed away after a short illness, according to the Cheltenham-headquartered firm.
Mr Ponsonby was appointed as a non-executive director of Pennant in 2018 and became its chair in 2021.
During his career, he served in the Royal Green Jackets - an infantry regiment of the British Army - and Royal Air Force for 33 years. His time in the Armed Forces took him to many parts of the world including Gibraltar, Hong Kong, West Germany, the Falkland Islands, former Yugoslavia and Northern Ireland.
He retired from the Royal Air Force as an air vice-marshal and in 2007 joined helicopter company AgustaWestland as the director responsible for creating a worldwide training division. In 2012, his role was broadened to lead an integrated training division responsible for supporting more than 5,000 helicopters globally.
Mr Ponsonby was appointed managing director of AgustaWestland in 2016 and led a workforce of over 3,000 people designing and manufacturing helicopters for the UK Armed Forces and many international defence organisations.
Phil Walker, chief executive of Pennant, said: “We are shocked and saddened by the news of John’s passing. Since his appointment as a director on April 1, 2018, he has provided valuable challenge and insight. It was a pleasure to work with him and he will be much missed. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.”
Phil Cotton, non-executive director of Pennant, will be acting chair until a permanent appointment is made, the company added.
READ NEXT
- Apprenticeship training firm Lifetime appoints new chief executive
- Cheltenham solar energy company secures £4m to boost growth
- Müller factory dispute escalates as workers begin 11-day strike
- Gloucester Rugby appoints new director to continue club's growth
- Hargreaves Lansdown facing lawsuit over Neil Woodford fund collapse
Like this story? Why not sign up to get the latest South West business news straight to your inbox.
