From Firefighting to Future-Building: Meet the new CEO at CamdenBoss and Cogent

When Gordon Watling stepped into the role of CEO at CamdenBoss and Cogent Technology in mid-2025, he brought an impressive, but some might say unusual CV. 

Born and raised in Felixstowe, Gordon is very happy to be supporting our two Suffolk-based companies close to his roots.  Gordon started his career in Felixstowe on the shop floor after completing an electronics engineering apprenticeship and a degree in manufacturing systems engineering.  In a twist of fate, he now finds himself back in the very same building on Langer Road where he worked nearly 30 years ago – although for a different company.

Since those early days, Gordon’s career has taken him far and wide. He has led global technology businesses, including over a decade as CEO of a telecommunications company, and worked on assignments for aerospace and the military.  He’s managed complex projects, travelled internationally, and built strategies that deliver growth.  But his journey hasn’t been all boardrooms and business plans.

After an injury forced him to step away from corporate life during his recovery, Gordon explored new paths.  He nurtured an interest in property development and even had a stint of running his own bistro before taking the plunge to fulfil a lifelong dream of becoming a firefighter.  He spent 6 years rising up through the ranks to Crew Manager at Ipswich Fire Station and loved serving his community.  The quieter shifts at the station eventually led him back to fighting fires of the corporate kind.

Today, Gordon is leading CamdenBoss in Mildenhall and Cogent Technology in Felixstowe through an exciting period of transformation.  He believes company culture is the foundation of success and is proud to have a talented team around him at both businesses.  By combining CamdenBoss’s expertise in electronic components and enclosure solutions with Cogent Technology’s capabilities in electronics manufacturing, Gordon sees a formidable partnership emerging, one that will deliver exceptional value and service to customers.

“We’re entering a phase of growth and innovation,” Gordon says. “It’s about listening to our customers, investing in our people, and building on the strengths of both businesses to create something even stronger.”

Whilst firefighting, Gordon developed the good habit of keeping fit and enjoys using a regular game of tennis to achieve this.  He’s recently taken on the role as a new grandfather, which will also no doubt keep him on his toes. 

With Gordon at the pump, CamdenBoss and Cogent Technology are in safe hands and ready for the future.  At Heathpatch, we can’t wait to see what they achieve together.

CamdenBoss supplies a broad range of electro-mechanical components and enclosure solutions.  Their portfolio includes items like terminal blocks, connectors, switches, fuses, indicators and a variety of enclosure options designed to support different applications.  With a strong focus on quality and customer support, CamdenBoss helps engineers and businesses find reliable component and housing solutions that meet specific technical needs.

Cogent Technology is a electronics manufacturing partner specialising in high-quality, products, particularly in healthcare and clean technology. They provide end-to-end services, from prototype and PCB assembly through to full device build, testing and ongoing support.  With a commitment to quality and collaborative approach, Cogent works closely with clients to reliably supply complex, life-enhancing products.