Atkins' Mark Roberts appointed as first non-uniform chair of APA
The APA exists to promote a better understanding of the air and space environment in order to maximise the efficacy of its use and the application of emerging technologies.
Established in 1947, the organisation is currently in a period of transformation. Until this year several of the senior roles within the APA, including chairman, were exclusively occupied by serving members of the RAF. However, as part of the organisation’s current transformation programme, a non-uniform candidate was invited to act as chairman, to better represent the interests of the APA’s corporate and individual members.
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Mark (right), who works as a practice director within Atkins’ aerospace, defence, security and technology business, explained: “I’m deeply honoured to have been invited to take on this role within the APA.
“My aim is to continue the transformation begun by the President and my predecessor and, while maintaining our vital link to the RAF, promote the entirety of air and space power as practiced by all three services. It is also important to me that the APA remains focussed on the needs of its membership, be they corporate or individual.
“Atkins is a corporate member and the company recognises the value the APA brings, especially through its ability to engage with senior proponents of air power and defence.”
Mark previously served as chairman of the executive committee of the APA between 2007 and 2010 when he was a member of the RAF.
President of the APA, Air Marshall Sir Dusty Miller added: “We are delighted to welcome Mark back to the APA as Chairman. His many years of employment and advocacy of the operational use of Air Power, combined with his commercial experience in industry, make him the ideal person to lead the Association through the forthcoming period of transformation.”
