GFSL appoints Alistair Watters as CEO

GFSL has appointed Alistair Watters as CEO to lead support for the UK's prison service.



Image courtesy GFSL

Alistair brings over 20 years of experience leading at the highest levels in both the public sector and FTSE organisations. He brings a wealth of expertise and has a strong track record of delivering major business and technology transformations, in challenging and fast-changing environments.

Alistair is passionate about creating practical, sustainable solutions that work for everyone – stakeholders, employees and the people who rely on the services GFSL deliver.

Colin Allars, GFSL Board Chair, said: "We look forward to drawing on Alistair’s experience and leadership as GFSL navigates the opportunities and challenges ahead. We’re confident he’ll help us deliver on our commitments to the prison service and the teams that make it all happen.

Alistair’s career highlights include:

  • leading large-scale transformation programmes across technology and operations
  • designing and implementing Target Operating Models (TOM) for organisations with over 30,000 employees
  • building strong stakeholder relationships at all levels, including board engagement
  • leading cross-functional teams and delivering on international projects
  • overseeing CapEx budgets of up to £5.1 billion, driving efficiency and operational improvements

Speaking about his new role, Alistair said: "I’m thrilled to join GFSL at such an important time. The work we do supporting the prison service is critical and I’m looking forward to working alongside such a dedicated and passionate team.

"My focus is on making sure the Property Transformation Programme transition is as smooth as possible, for the prisons we serve, our employees and the new suppliers, while we continue to provide an excellent service to prisons. Together, we’ll ensure GFSL continues to deliver high-quality services and makes a real difference."
 

Related

The Vickers VC10: The British airliner built for a different kind of flying
Vickers VC10
The Vickers VC10: The British airliner built for a different kind of flying
The VC10 remains a reminder of a time when British engineering took a different path from the competition and set a new level in design and comfort.
Aerospace

15 Nov 2026

Why the UK has so few domestic flights outside London
Why the UK has so few domestic flights outside London
With fewer regional routes, strong competition from rail and airlines favouring more profitable international services, flying outside London has become increasingly difficult.
Aerospace

15 Nov 2026

UK flights impacted by US nationwide ground stop as knock-on effects continue
Heathrow Airport
UK flights impacted by US nationwide ground stop as knock-on effects continue
The US Transportation Secretary blamed ageing infrastructure and overloaded TDM routers for the nationwide FAA ground stop.
Aerospace Security

14 Nov 2026

The history of the Blackburn Buccaneer: from Royal Navy service to the Gulf War
Blackburn Buccaneer
The history of the Blackburn Buccaneer: from Royal Navy service to the Gulf War
Few British aircraft enjoyed a second act quite like the Buccaneer, which proved its worth from the Cold War to Operation Granby.
Defence

14 Nov 2026

UK faces 41% rise in Russian naval activity as undersea threat grows
The Russian Navy's Neustrashimy-class guided-missile frigate is shadowed by an 815 NAS-operated Wildcat HMA2 as it transits the English Channel on 10 October 2026. Image: MOD Crown Copyright/Royal Navy
UK faces 41% rise in Russian naval activity as undersea threat grows
Russian naval activity around the UK has increased by 41% this year, prompting fresh warnings over threats to UK security, undersea cables and critical infrastructure.
Defence

13 Nov 2026

New facilities opened for Air C2 Force at RAF Leeming
The new Single Living Accommodation building at RAF Leeming.
New facilities opened for Air C2 Force at RAF Leeming
Delivered under the MoD’s Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Portfolio, the opening of new sustainable infrastructure at RAF Leeming will allow the Air C2 (Command and Control) Force to complete their move to the station.
Defence Member News

13 Nov 2026

Protecting satellites is not enough to keep the UK’s critical services running
Steve Knibbs, director, Vodafone business
Protecting satellites is not enough to keep the UK’s critical services running
Protecting satellites alone cannot guarantee continuity. Steve Knibbs argues for resilience across the infrastructure supporting the UK’s critical services.
Insights Space

15 Nov 2026

Serco acquires QinetiQ’s US business
Satellite orbiting earth
Serco acquires QinetiQ’s US business
It was announced today that Serco's acquisition of QinetiQ’s US business has been agreed, substantially expanding the defence capabilities of Serco, whilst strengthening QinetiQ's balance sheet and enabling it to concentrate its resources on the UK, European, NATO and key allied defence and security markets.
Defence Member News Space

12 Nov 2026

UK military satellite Titania reaches orbit as MoD trials space-threat sensors
Titania Satellite
UK military satellite Titania reaches orbit as MoD trials space-threat sensors
The UK's second ISTARI military satellite, Titania, reaches orbit as trials launch for a three-site sensor network to monitor potential threats to spacecraft.
Defence Space

9 Nov 2026

UK flights impacted by US nationwide ground stop as knock-on effects continue
Heathrow Airport
UK flights impacted by US nationwide ground stop as knock-on effects continue
The US Transportation Secretary blamed ageing infrastructure and overloaded TDM routers for the nationwide FAA ground stop.
Aerospace Security

14 Nov 2026

Smiths Detection to supply Norwegian Customs with advanced mobile screening systems
Norwegian Customs
Smiths Detection to supply Norwegian Customs with advanced mobile screening systems
Advanced mobile vehicle screening systems from Smiths Detection will enable Norway to enhance its capability to inspect goods traffic across key border and customs locations.
Member News Security

13 Nov 2026

NCSC warns UK businesses of scams following global Microsoft outage
Laptop user pressing Windows key
NCSC warns UK businesses of scams following global Microsoft outage
Cybercriminals could exploit the global Microsoft outage, warns the NCSC, as an AI expert urges UK businesses to have a Plan B when systems fail.
Security

13 Nov 2026