Employee Case Studies
Employee Case Studies
We value our people here at Chess and offer a diverse range of learning and development opportunities. The case studies below show how we’ve supported employees in their professional growth. From entry-level roles to Department Manager and Director positions, these stories highlight how our Careers Framework and development programmes, mentorship opportunities, and ongoing training have helped individuals advance their careers. Whether through internal promotions, skill-building initiatives, or cross-departmental moves, we are proud to invest in our people and support their long-term success.
Our case studies tell the story of how we have helped to develop our team members professionally and personally.
Penny Brown
Penny joined Chess Dynamics in August 2016 as a Production Controller, quickly establishing herself as a dedicated and capable team member. Her strong performance and early impact led to a promotion to Senior Production Controller in June 2017—less than a year after joining the company.
Her continued commitment, attention to detail, and ability to lead were recognised again in February 2020, when she was promoted to Production Control Manager. In this role, Penny played a key part in supporting the company’s operations and growth, while also helping to develop and strengthen the Production Control function.
In September 2024, after four successful years in that role, Penny took on a new challenge as CLS Manager. Since stepping into this position, she has driven meaningful improvements and continues to expand the capabilities of the department.
Penny’s career progression at Chess is a testament to her dedication, talent, and consistent delivery. Her story reflects the opportunities available within the business for those who work hard, embrace new challenges, and make a lasting impact.
Nicola Daoud
Nicola joined Chess Dynamics in October 2018 as a Personal Assistant to the CEO. From the beginning, she demonstrated a strong work ethic, a drive to learn, and a passion for contributing beyond her immediate role. Her dedication and curiosity quickly opened up new opportunities.
Just three months after joining, Nicola was promoted to PA and Sales Support, a role that expanded her involvement across departments and provided valuable insight into the Sales function. This experience deepened her understanding of Chess’s commercial operations and laid the foundation for her future career development.
In July 2021, Nicola transitioned into a new role as Sales and Marketing Executive which enabled her to her organisational and communication skills more broadly.
Today, Nicola continues to play a key role in the Marketing Department, contributing to the development and promotion of the Chess brand. Her journey reflects Chess Dynamics’ commitment to nurturing talent and providing opportunities for individuals to grow and explore new areas of the business.
Chris Henderson
Chris Henderson's journey at Chess Dynamics began in 2009, and over the past decade, he has grown alongside the company, establishing himself as an asset and leader within the Electronics team. His dedication, skills, and commitment to excellence have seen him progress through several key promotions, each marking a significant contribution to Chess Dynamics' success.
Chris started his career at Chess Dynamics as a Junior Electronic Design Engineer. This initial role laid the foundation for his technical expertise, allowing him to gain a comprehensive understanding of the company's products and processes. His enhanced skillset and strong potential was recognised, and in August 2013, he was promoted to Electronics Engineer, leading to further involvement in more complex projects.
Chris's leadership qualities shone through, and in July 2014, he was further promoted to Senior Electronics Engineer. This role entrusted him with greater responsibility, including mentoring junior engineers and contributing to the development of innovative solutions
Chris was promoted again in February 2017 to Electronics Group Leader. In this role, he oversees the Electronics group, guiding and motivating his team to achieve exceptional results. He sets the strategic direction for the group, ensuring technical excellence and efficient project execution.
Chris's commitment, talent, and leadership are evident throughout his journey at Chess Dynamics. He has consistently developed his skills, embraced challenges, and played a vital role in the company's success. His dedication to his team and his passion for innovation make him an invaluable asset. Chris's recent participation in the Group Leadership Development Programme further highlights his commitment to continuous growth and leadership excellence.
Matt Tripp
Matt’s journey with Chess Dynamics began as a placement student in 2014 while completing a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at Loughborough University. Recognising his talent and potential, Chess offered him a graduate role in 2017. Since then, Matt has become an integral part of the Engineering team.
Matt has steadily taken on greater responsibilities, including visits to customer sites both in the UK and abroad. His dedication and technical expertise earned him a promotion to Senior Mechanical Engineer, a role in which he not only delivers high-quality work but also mentors students and provides invaluable support to colleagues.
In 2023, Matt was promoted to Team Lead, where he leads a team of Mechanical Engineers. He takes pride in guiding and supporting his team, helping them grow and progress within the company.
In September 2024, Matt took a well-earned four-month sabbatical to travel, returning to Chess in January 2025. He resumed his role as Team Lead with renewed energy and continues to thrive.
Reflecting on his time at Chess Dynamics, Matt says the company opened his eyes to the vast and exciting opportunities within engineering. He thrives in its fast-paced, innovation-driven environment, where bespoke solutions and exploration of new markets are central. Above all, Matt values the collaborative and supportive culture that defines life at Chess.
Ewan Matheson
Since joining Chess Dynamics as a Trainee Production Technician in July 2022, Ewan has demonstrated a clear passion for learning and a strong commitment to his professional development. From day one, he immersed himself in the business, gaining hands-on experience and building a solid understanding of the company’s products, systems, and processes.
Ewan quickly proved his value by actively contributing to the assembly of five complex systems, gaining insight into the technical and operational aspects of Chess Dynamics. This hands-on involvement not only enhanced his technical capabilities but also gave him a well-rounded understanding of the company’s engineering landscape.
Recognising his potential and drive, Chess Dynamics nominated Ewan for a place on an Engineering HND programme. This opportunity reflected both the company’s commitment to developing internal talent and Ewan’s ambition to advance his engineering career. The programme is equipping him with advanced technical knowledge and practical skills, further strengthening his capabilities.
In May 2024, after completing his first year in the HND programme, Ewan was promoted to Junior Production Technician.
Continuing his professional journey, Ewan transitioned to the Test Department in September 2024, stepping into the role of Junior Test Engineer. This move allowed him to expand his engineering experience and broaden is technical knowledge. His continued hard work and commitment led to another promotion in May 2025, this time to Test Engineer.
Kerry Barnes
Kerry’s journey at Chess has been marked by remarkable growth and consistent advancement.
She joined as a Project Manager in December 2017, and her ability to manage complex projects quickly gained recognition. After just five months, she was promoted to Programme Manager.
Her progression continued in November 2019 with a promotion to Naval Systems Programmes & Operations Manager. This role represented a key milestone, moving from managing individual projects to overseeing the entire Naval Systems programmes—spanning both programme delivery and operational oversight.
Kerry’s strong performance continued to stand out. In September 2023, she was appointed Interim Programme Director, and her impact was immediate. In April 2024, she was officially promoted to Programme Director, confirming her ability to successfully lead both the Land and Maritime programmes.
Alongside her professional achievements, Kerry remains committed to personal development. She is currently undertaking a Level 7 Senior Leadership Apprenticeship, which will culminate in an MBA. This reflects her dedication to continuous learning and her drive to enhance leadership capability.
By May 2018, Kerry had transitioned to the role of Programme Manager, taking on a significant increase in responsibility. This progression continued when just 18 months later Kerry earned a promotion to Naval Systems Programmes & Operations Manager. This role marked a pivotal shift, as she moved from managing individual projects to overseeing the entire Naval Systems program, encompassing both program management and operational aspects.
Kerry's exceptional performance continued. In September 2023, she was appointed Interim Programme Director. Her success in this role was undeniable, leading to her well-deserved promotion to Programme Director in April 2024. This official appointment solidifies Kerry's ability to effectively lead all Land and Maritime programmes.
Beyond her impressive track record, Kerry remains dedicated to continuous learning. She is currently pursuing a Level 7 Senior Leadership Apprenticeship, demonstrating her commitment to acquiring the leadership skills and knowledge needed to thrive at the director level.
Kerry's rapid ascent, consistent high performance, and dedication to self-improvement make her a truly invaluable asset to Chess. Her leadership potential across the company, is undeniable.
