General Atomics

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

McLaughlin & Harvey breaks ground on Rolls-Royce Derby facility
McLaughlin & Harvey breaks ground on Rolls-Royce Derby facility
McLaughlin & Harvey breaks ground on Rolls-Royce Derby facility
Integral to Rolls-Royce's £140 million investment at its Derby site, the new facility will support future growth of the UK’s advanced manufacturing sector and strengthen its aerospace and sovereign defence capability.
Manchester Airport opens new hi-tech sensory zone for autistic and neurodivergent passengers
Manchester Airport hi-tech sensory zone in T2
Manchester Airport opens new hi-tech sensory zone for autistic and neurodivergent passengers
The new Sunflower Room provides sensory and quiet spaces designed to support autistic and other neurodivergent passengers, as well as people with non-visible disabilities and additional assistance needs.
Aerospace

5 Oct 2026

Certo Aerospace raises £5m to accelerate Capstone heavy-lift UAS
Capstone heavy-lift uncrewed aircraft
Certo Aerospace raises £5m to accelerate Capstone heavy-lift UAS
Certo Aerospace has secured £5m to expand operations in Somerset and Wiltshire and move its Capstone heavy-lift UAS closer to service.
Aerospace Defence

5 Oct 2026

McLaughlin & Harvey breaks ground on Rolls-Royce Derby facility
McLaughlin & Harvey breaks ground on Rolls-Royce Derby facility
McLaughlin & Harvey breaks ground on Rolls-Royce Derby facility
Integral to Rolls-Royce's £140 million investment at its Derby site, the new facility will support future growth of the UK’s advanced manufacturing sector and strengthen its aerospace and sovereign defence capability.
Certo Aerospace raises £5m to accelerate Capstone heavy-lift UAS
Capstone heavy-lift uncrewed aircraft
Certo Aerospace raises £5m to accelerate Capstone heavy-lift UAS
Certo Aerospace has secured £5m to expand operations in Somerset and Wiltshire and move its Capstone heavy-lift UAS closer to service.
Aerospace Defence

5 Oct 2026

US withdraws B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford amid “new threats”
USAF B-1B Lancer at RAF Fairford
US withdraws B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford amid “new threats”
The US has withdrawn its B-1B Lancer bombers from RAF Fairford amid security concerns following an alleged Iran-linked plot targeting the base.
Defence

5 Oct 2026

World Space Week: How British technology will help ESA return to the Moon
ESA Argonaut
World Space Week: How British technology will help ESA return to the Moon
As Europe prepares to return to the Moon, British-developed LEIA LiDAR technology will help ESA's Argonaut lander autonomously identify safe touchdown zones on the lunar surface.
Space

5 Oct 2026

Airbus delivers first next-generation satellites for OneWeb constellation
OneWeb satellites in transport container at Airbus
Airbus delivers first next-generation satellites for OneWeb constellation
A new generation of OneWeb spacecraft is heading for launch, helping Eutelsat sustain and expand its low Earth orbit connectivity network for governments, businesses and institutions worldwide.
Member News Space

5 Oct 2026

Serco’s NadirEO to provide operational insights from Earth Observation data
Serco’s NadirEO to provide operational insights from Earth Observation data
The new NadirEO platform turns Earth Observation data into operational insight, bringing together multiple data sources, analytics and specialist partners to help organisations assess risk, monitor assets and make evidence-based decisions.
Member News Space

4 Oct 2026

New report names UK as Europe’s most targeted country for state-backed cyberattacks
Lockheed martin cybersecurity
New report names UK as Europe’s most targeted country for state-backed cyberattacks
Microsoft’s latest Digital Defence Report warns that AI is accelerating cyber threats, while hostile states increasingly target critical infrastructure and essential services across the UK.
Security

5 Oct 2026

HMP Addiewell becomes first Scottish prison to launch secure digital learning for prisoners 
James Tweed
HMP Addiewell becomes first Scottish prison to launch secure digital learning for prisoners 
The introduction of digital learning at HMP Addiewell makes it the first prison in Scotland to provide secure Coracle laptops and tech training to prisoners.
Member News Security

5 Oct 2026

Cohort appoints Richard Mills as Group Strategy Director
Richard Mills
Cohort appoints Richard Mills as Group Strategy Director
Former Boeing executive Richard Mills will lead the growth strategy of Cohort and its seven subsidiaries which specialise in defence and security technology across the UK, Germany, Portugal and Australia.