GM Defence appoints Simon Gray as its UK Director of Business Development

GM Defence has announced the appointment of Simon Gray as Director, Business Development to strengthen the company’s commitment to the United Kingdom and support its defence priorities and sovereign capability.

Based in Andover, Simon will lead GM Defence UK’s engagement with the UK Ministry of Defence, British Armed Forces and industry partners. He also supports GM Defence’s wider NATO and European defence activities, including delivery planning and through-life support for Team LionStrike.

Understanding operational requirements in combination with procurement expertise

Simon Gray brings nearly 20 years’ UK Defence leadership experience, specialising in procurement, rapid acquisition and programme delivery. He has managed multi-million-pound projects spanning mobility platforms, military vehicle integration and uncrewed ground systems. Experienced in translating operational requirements into executable solutions, Simon combines deep defence procurement expertise with a strategic, innovation-led approach and is a trusted adviser to senior military leaders and global stakeholders.

Simon said: “GM Defence has a unique opportunity to contribute to the future of British military mobility.

“I’m pleased to join the team at this important stage and look forward to working with our UK partners to deliver practical, scalable and long-term capability for the British Armed Forces.”

How a deeper UK presence will strengthen industrial partnerships

Team LionStrike, a partnership of GM Defence, BAE Systems and NP Aerospace, has been established to pursue the UK Ministry of Defence’s Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV) programme, with GM Defence as OEM vehicle supplier and engineering authority. The LMV programme is designed to modernise the British Army’s light mobility fleet.

Steve duMont, President and CEO of GM Defense, said: “Establishing a dedicated UK presence is an important milestone in GM Defence’s long-term commitment to the United Kingdom.

“Our local team will help us work more closely with the Ministry of Defence, our industry partners and the communities where we operate, ensuring we can provide responsive, reliable and sustainable support.”