John Howie appointed ADS chief executive as Kevin Craven prepares to step down

ADS chief executive Kevin Craven will step down from his role next year after six years leading the trade association for the UK aerospace, defence, security and space sectors.

John Howie MBE has been appointed as his successor and will join ADS as CEO designate on 5 January 2027, working alongside Craven during a transition period before formally taking over as chief executive on 1 April 2027.

David Lockwood praises Craven’s leadership and legacy

Announcing the appointment, ADS President David Lockwood said: “We are delighted to appoint John as the next Chief Executive of ADS. He brings deep experience from across our sectors and a strong track record of leadership, strategic delivery and engagement with government and industry.

“John joins ADS at a pivotal time for the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors. The Board is confident he will build on ADS’s strong foundations and continue to strengthen our influence, support our members and champion the industries we represent.”

Lockwood also paid tribute to Craven’s leadership, adding: “Kevin leaves ADS in an exceptionally strong position. On behalf of the Board, our members and the wider ADS community, I would like to thank him for his outstanding leadership, integrity and commitment over the past six years.

“His contribution to ADS and to the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors has been immense, and he leaves behind a lasting legacy for his successor to build upon.”

Under Craven’s leadership, ADS has played a leading role in strengthening engagement between government and industry, particularly as defence and national resilience have risen up the political agenda.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, ADS became the first UK trade association to organise trade missions supporting the country and has since expanded that work in partnership with allied nations.

Craven also championed the UK aerospace sector, helping to secure long-term funding for the Aerospace Technology Institute to support the development of next-generation aerospace technologies and maintain the UK’s global competitiveness.

ADS membership has also grown significantly during his tenure, increasing from around 1,100 companies to more than 2,000.

And ADS has expanded its member services, events portfolio and international presence, while Craven oversaw a period of substantial growth and transformation across the organisation.

John Howie appointed as next ADS chief executive

John Howie joins ADS from Saab Group and brings more than 35 years of experience across the aerospace, defence, engineering and industrial sectors. He previously served as Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Babcock International Group and was a member of the Group Executive Committee.

Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership positions at both Babcock and BAE Systems.

Commenting on his appointment, Howie said: “I am honoured to be joining ADS and excited by the opportunity to lead an organisation that plays such an important role in supporting strategically vital sectors for the UK.

“ADS has built a strong reputation as an influential voice for industry and a valuable partner to its members. I look forward to working with colleagues, members and stakeholders to build on that success in the years ahead.”

Craven welcomed the appointment, saying: “It has been a tremendous privilege to lead ADS and represent industries that make such an important contribution to the UK’s security, prosperity and international standing.

“I am incredibly proud of everything that ADS colleagues and our members have achieved together over the past six years. John is an outstanding appointment and I look forward to working closely with him to ensure a smooth transition.”