Cohort appoints Richard Mills as Group Strategy Director

The Cohort Group has appointed former Boeing executive Richard Mills as Group Strategy Director to shape the Group’s strategic direction, lead its M&A activity and support the growth of its subsidiaries.

Richard joins Reading-headquartered Cohort Group after 20 years in defence and aerospace strategy roles at Boeing including Strategy Director UK and Ireland and Strategy Director Europe.

While at Boeing, Richard led the development and implementation of Boeing’s strategy for Europe, working with teams across Europe and the US to accelerate growth and productivity. This included securing financing for the company’s first European manufacturing facility in Sheffield, UK and delivering M&A deals.

Overseeing M&A, building capabilities and guiding subsidiaries’ strategic growth plans

As Group Strategy Director, Richard will lead the development of Cohort’s group strategy and will oversee the Group’s acquisition activity. He will work collaboratively with the senior leadership teams of Cohort’s subsidiaries providing advice and guidance on their strategic growth plans.

Richard said: “Increasing global defence spending, particularly in Europe, is creating significant opportunities for defence businesses with specialist capabilities and expertise. Cohort has successfully built a strong international group of agile defence businesses to become a real UK defence success story and has a clear opportunity for further growth.

“I’m looking forward to building on Cohort’s strong international position through targeted acquisitions of businesses that have technologies, expertise and market positioning that complement the Group’s existing capabilities.”

Leading engagement with ADS and other industry bodies, working groups and regulators

Richard will also represent Cohort with key industry bodies and working groups including ADS. He will be responsible for engaging with policymakers and regulators on behalf of Cohort and its subsidiaries on topics affecting Cohort and the wider defence industry.

Andy Thomis, CEO at Cohort Group, said: “Richard brings extensive experience of developing and delivering growth strategies and successful M&A transactions to the Group.

“His appointment further strengthens our expanding Executive Management Team as we explore opportunities for continued international growth.”

Richard succeeds Jonathan Clegg, Cohort Group’s former Head of Group Strategy, who retired in April 2026.