The UK trade association for the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors, ADS, has appointed David Lockwood as the new President for the organisation.
Mr Lockwood is CEO of Babcock which is one of the UK’s leading aerospace and defence companies offering MRO services, particular or Emergency services and military aircraft as well as pilot training, air ambulance and search and rescue services.
Speaking about the appointment Mr Lockwood said: “I’m delighted to join ADS as President, working with the Board and ADS team members to deliver for the UK’s advanced manufacturing sectors. Aerospace, defence, security and space contribute £37 billion in value add to the UK economy, and in light of an increasingly unstable geopolitical environment the work of ADS is even more pivotal than ever to secure UK advantage.”
Other appointments at ADS include Nigel Woodford and John Harrison as Aerospace Vice President and Board member respectively.
Mr Woodford is Managing Director of Safran and brings an extensive background of the aerospace sector to the position of Aerospace VP.
He will play a vital role in fostering innovation and collaboration within the industry.
Mr Woodford said: “I’m delighted to join ADS as VP for aerospace in this important year for our industry. As we prepare for the Farnborough International Airshow 2024, the sector is at a critical juncture as we ramp up production, deliver on critical workforce shortages, and invest in the resilience of our supply chains.”
John Harrison, Airbus’ General Counsel and Corporate Secretary and a member of the Airbus Executive Committee, joins the board at ADS and will help steer ADS decision making as it continues to promote the UK’s aerospace industry.
Mr Harrison said: “I am pleased to be joining the ADS leadership at such a challenging but exciting time for our sectors in the UK. We have the privilege of representing an essential industry that provides some of the most high value jobs, transformative technology and resilient productivity in the nation.”
Kevin Craven, CEO of ADS Group, added, “We are delighted to welcome David, John, and Nigel to the ADS Board. Their collective expertise, industry knowledge, and strategic vision will be instrumental in driving the growth and success of our sectors. With their invaluable contributions, our ability to advance the UK’s aerospace, defence, security, and space industries is strengthened, further cementing the UK’s position as global leaders.”
