Navantia UK has announced the appointment of Derek Jones as its new Chief Commercial and Business Development Officer as the company expands its operations in the United Kingdom.
Jones brings more than 30 years of experience in the defence sector, having held senior roles at Babcock International Group, BAE Systems, and GEC Marconi. Most recently, he served as Managing Director of the Type 31 Frigate Programme at Babcock, overseeing a £1.5 billion capital asset design and manufacture contract with the UK Ministry of Defence.
Juan de la Cueva, CEO of Navantia UK, welcomed the appointment, stating: “Derek’s appointment comes as we strengthen our operations following our recent acquisition of Harland & Wolff. His proven track record in complex defence projects, developing opportunities, and building strong customer relationships will be invaluable as we continue to grow our business and deliver on our commitments to customers.”
During his tenure at Babcock, Jones held several high-profile leadership positions, including Managing Director of Operations for the Marine Sector, International Shipbuilding Director, Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Marine Sector, and Corporate Services Director. His career spans major programmes such as the Aircraft Carrier Alliance and the Future Maritime Support Programme.
Commenting on his new role, Jones said: “I am delighted to be joining Navantia UK at such an exciting time for the company. Combining Navantia’s global pedigree with the heritage and capabilities of the UK sites creates a robust platform for growth across the defence, maritime, and energy sectors. I look forward to working with the team to deliver value for our customers and strengthen the UK’s sovereign industrial capabilities.”
In his position as Chief Commercial and Business Development Officer, Jones will be responsible for leading Navantia UK’s commercial strategy and driving business development efforts across the organisation.
Lots of encouraging investment news coming out of Navantia / H & W.
With FSS the bag it does look like they are in pole position for MRSS.
No doubt the appointment of Jones is intended to lead to cementing that position.
Do Navantia actually have a design ready for MRSS? They could go along with BMT again, of course, but Ellida is so obviously unsuited to the concept that I doubt it will be put forwards.
My understanding is that Navantia are planning to start construction on the winning design for FSS this year; that there is a budget approval for 3x MRSS but no agreed design. After long debates discussion seems to be homing in on a ‘strike frigate’ concept rather than as you say, an ‘Ellida’ style littoral support ship or a LPD or hybrid LPD/LSD design. Have to say, 6x strike frigates would give the RN a significant expeditionary capability.
The issue is now that Navantia don’t have any sort of ship design lined up ready for MRSS.
Nobody except Steller have made a “strike frigate” concept, and they’re gone now.
And it’s not even clear that the MoD is settled on a Strike Frigate concept, so any money invested by Navantia into that design might just go up in smoke.
I hope he’s more successful keeping the FSS on track than he was with the Type 31.
With the First Sea Lord resigning and the defence review still not published. You’d wonder what’s going on. Would have thought that with the uplift in spending, it wouldn’t be cuts spree like 2010.
It can’t be a cutting spree Patrick, theres nothing left to cut!
If that is the direction they decide to pursue, then they will simply remove capabilities and all the attached enablers.
That said, it’s still hard to see where they could weild the axe?
Get rid of both carriers, F35B and RAF Maraham?
Get rid of the Royal Marines, all their associating shipping g and helicopters?
Get rid of Challenger 2 and cancel 3, disband the two armoured regiments?
Seriously, there is nothing left that wouldn’t cause massive damage, to cut!
I completely agree with you. There needs to be a majour investment in heavy warfighting capabilities and in mass.
@Patrick. I don’t think we will see more significant cuts in the SDR. These happened to align a fantasy capital equipment plan with reality budget. All the major programs have been protected: the frigates, Dreadnought, Ajax, Boxer, CR3, FSS, MRSS and meanwhile we have seen several prudent and modest investments – Ceptor on T45, Mk41 on T31, NSM, updated decoys while delivering meaningful aid to Ukraine, clearing out obsolete vehicles. I’m looking forward to the AAC getting NMH, additional Boxer variants and a buy of some bargain pre-loved A400Ms