Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace Defence Security

Cobham appoints David Lockwood as new CEO

Cobham plc has announced that its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Bob Murphy, is to step down from his role and from the Board no later than the end of 2016 to pursue other opportunities, with David Lockwood taking over his role no later than 1 January 2017.

The Board thanks Bob for his leadership during challenging times, including: the development of a clear strategy with a focus on connectivity; driving technology investment resulting in a number of strategic wins for the Group; and enhancing the Company's customer focus and performance to customer expectations. We wish him well in his future endeavours.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Mr Murphy will be succeeded by David Lockwood who will join the Company no later than 1 January 2017. He will also join the Board.


Courtesy Cobham

David (above) is currently CEO of Laird PLC, the FTSE 250 technology company providing products and solutions that protect electronics from electromagnetic interference and heat and which enable connectivity in mission-critical wireless applications. During his time at Laird, David has built the company into a focused enterprise connectivity company with leading positions in the connected transport and consumer device markets, delivering sustained organic growth.

Before taking his current role four years ago, David was formerly Vice President Global Defence & Security at BT Global Services. He has experience of international defence operations, gained from his roles at GPT (Marconi), BAE Systems and Thales Corporation. He chaired the Scottish Government's Technology Advisory Group and, in 2005, was the recipient of the Scottish Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Technology. In February 2014, David was appointed as Non-Executive Chairman of Knowledge Transfer Network Ltd.

Advertisement
Leonardo animated rectangle

David has a BA (Hons) in Mathematics from the University of York and is a Chartered Accountant by profession.

Cobham Chairman, John Devaney said: "David has a background in defence and communications technology which are at the heart of Cobham. We look forward to him joining the company and thank Bob for his contribution."

 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
Stansted gets green light to increase passenger limit

Aerospace

Stansted gets green light to increase passenger limit

17 December 2025

London Stansted has today secured planning approval from Uttlesford District Council to increase its annual passenger limit up to 51 million, unlocking the potential to deliver a wide range of consumer, economic and community benefits over the next 20 years.

Skyports completes move to Drone Operations HQ

Aerospace Space

Skyports completes move to Drone Operations HQ

17 December 2025

Skyports Drone Services (Skyports) has completed a move into its new flagship, purpose-built, Drone Operations Hub in Westcott Venture Park, equipping the company with a state-of-the-art centralised facility for its UK, European and global drone operations.

Midlands manufacturers launch VORS

Aerospace Defence

Midlands manufacturers launch VORS

17 December 2025

Three Midlands manufacturing and design specialists - outsourcing expert PP Control & Automation (PP C&A), electronics design and software developer ByteSnap Design and contract electronics manufacturer Kasdonare - have joined forces to launch VORS (Versatile Outsourcing in Resilient Systems).

SLG installs new solar array at Bridge of Weir

Aerospace

SLG installs new solar array at Bridge of Weir

17 December 2025

Scottish Leather Group (SLG) has switched on a new Solar PV array at its production facility in Bridge of Weir, Scotland.

Advertisement
Leonardo animated rectangle
Aviation Minister views engine inspection tech at GE Aerospace Filton

Aerospace Defence

Aviation Minister views engine inspection tech at GE Aerospace Filton

16 December 2025

Aviation Minister Keir Mather MP visited GE Aerospace’s Filton facility last week (Thursday 11th December) to see how UK-engineered artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are helping to transform aircraft engine inspection and reinforce Britain’s position as a global centre of advanced aviation services.

Altus to showcase advanced solutions at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2026

Aerospace Defence Events

Altus to showcase advanced solutions at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2026

16 December 2025

Distributor of advanced electronics manufacturing equipment in the UK and Ireland, Altus Group, will return to Southern Manufacturing & Electronics from 3rd-5th February 2026 at the Farnborough International Exhibition Centre, to showcase a range of advanced process technologies from global suppliers.

Advertisement
ODU RT