Based in Bath, Somerset, Pete Hoddinott is the Managing Director of L3Harris Technologies’ Intelligence and Cyber EMEA business area. With over 30 years of leadership experience within the defence and security sector, Pete first joined L3Harris in 2019 as Director of Programmes, during which time he worked hard to enhance the company’s Programme and Bid Management capability. Now, as MD, Pete inspires his team with innovative thinking and actively supports them in living up to their full potential. A firm believer in ensuring every single person feels they’re contributing towards the business’ goals, Pete does everything he can to encourage collaboration, communication, and teamwork.
Pete was actually born into a family of farmers, but his sights were set on pursuing a different career from an early age. At 16, he applied for an apprenticeship scheme in Engineering with Thorn EMI, a defence electronics company, and later became responsible for the company’s desktop services which involved overseeing several successful IT system implementations. Supported by the business, he embarked on over seven years of education to gain the qualifications he needed to achieve his ambitions. In that time he earned an HNC in Computer Studies, an HNC in Electrical Engineering, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematical Studies. Pete is also a qualified Programme Management Professional and a Fellow of the Association of Project Management.
After a decade at Thorn EMI, Pete next made his mark as IT Manager of Racal Datacom where he introduced intelligent networking solutions and a site-wide email system that revolutionised how the business operated. From there, he joined Thales, and during his 20-year tenure was responsible for the strategic development of all IT-related services. He also led the delivery of a complex £40m software development and integration project to the UK MOD. These outstanding contributions saw him eventually become Managing Director of the business’ Cyber Security and Consulting arm, where he would drive its operational delivery, strategy, and growth.
Pete was later sought out by another defence manufacturer and L3Harris. He even received a job offer from each company on the same day. Impressed by their agile interview process and go-to-market strategy, Pete accepted L3Harris’ offer and has not looked back since. He wholeheartedly embraces the company’s culture and consistently upholds its core values of Integrity, Respect, and Excellence. Dedicated to driving the business’ substantial plans for growth, he shares its people’s commitment and passion for making the world a safer place.
Outside of work, Pete is married with two children and two step-children, enjoys playing golf, skis as much as possible, and has an interest in vintage cars.
