We are delighted to announce the appointment of Wendy Walker-Drew as Finance Director at Robert Lickley Refractories Ltd (RLR). Wendy brings a wealth of experience from across multiple sectors, having often stepped in to lead finance functions during periods of change and transformation.
For Wendy, the move to RLR marks not just a professional challenge, but also a personal decision to return to a permanent leadership role after several years as an interim contractor.
“As someone who likes a challenge and to be involved in a business undergoing transformation, this seemed the ideal opportunity,”Wendy explains. “RLR has already experienced considerable change in recent times and is now on the cusp of major transformation and growth. I wanted to be part of that journey long term. With my background and passion for Midlands manufacturing and SMEs, RLR felt like a great fit.”
Driving Finance Transformation
Wendy’s career has been defined by modernising finance operations, embedding stronger processes, and using technology to unlock business insights. At RLR, her immediate focus is clear:
“Supporting the implementation of the ERP system will be a priority. By improving efficiencies in transactional tasks and generating more meaningful reports, we can give the executive and senior management teams better insights around pricing, margins, and product profitability. This will also support the company’s wider growth strategy.”
With a strong track record in ERP implementations, Wendy believes digitalisation is central to the future of finance.
“Finance should not be a paper-based number-crunching team,” she says. “By embracing technology, we create efficiencies, improve accuracy, and enable finance to be a true business partner that adds value.”
A Collaborative Approach
When asked which areas of the business she’s most excited to partner with, Wendy is quick to emphasise her collaborative style:
“Finance should work with a business, not just report on it. I’m looking forward to building relationships across the whole RLR team. With the ERP system as one of my immediate priorities, I’m especially excited to partner with the teams that will be most impacted by its successful rollout.”
Beyond the Numbers
Away from the office, Wendy finds balance in a mix of outdoor, sporting, and social pursuits. She is a regular hill walker when time and weather allow, an active committee member at Claverley Tennis Club—recently competing in the South Shropshire Ladies League and now preparing for the Shropshire Mixed Doubles Autumn League—and a keen reader through her local village book club.
“I always have a book on the go and love to socialise with friends and family,” she adds.
Looking Ahead
Wendy Walker-Drew’s appointment marks another important step in strengthening our leadership team and positioning Robert Lickley Refractories Ltd for the future. With her expertise in finance transformation, digitalisation, and SME growth, we are excited to have her on board as we continue our journey of innovation and expansion.