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

Airbus A350F takes flight for first time in major freighter milestone
A350F takes off on first flight
Airbus A350F takes flight for first time in major freighter milestone
Airbus’ new A350F has taken to the skies for the first time, beginning a 400-hour flight-test campaign for its next-generation large freighter.
Aerospace

29 Sep 2026

UK-Canada seabed to space programme adds The Structural Battery Company
The SB Co. Heavy-lift drone demo
UK-Canada seabed to space programme adds The Structural Battery Company
Innovate UK has brought The Structural Battery Company onboard its UK-Canada seabed to space programme.
Windracers ULTRA safely transports anti-doping blood sample in Alaska
Windracers ULTRA
Windracers ULTRA safely transports anti-doping blood sample in Alaska
Conducting its first BVLOS Windracers ULTRA flight in North America, flying an anti-doping blood test sample for several hours over 1,000km in Alaska, Windracers has shown autonomous flights are a reliable option for safely transporting time sensitive cargo in difficult conditions.
UK records largest share of European defence manufacturing investment since 2024
Former Defence Secretary John Healey MP is given a tour of the UK's Storm Shadow production line at MBDA's facility in Stevenage on 31 May 2025. Image: MOD Crown Copyright/Rosie Hallam
UK records largest share of European defence manufacturing investment since 2024
From munitions plants to drone production lines, the UK has attracted more defence manufacturing projects than any other European nation since 2024, according to new research.
Defence

29 Sep 2026

UK-Canada seabed to space programme adds The Structural Battery Company
The SB Co. Heavy-lift drone demo
UK-Canada seabed to space programme adds The Structural Battery Company
Innovate UK has brought The Structural Battery Company onboard its UK-Canada seabed to space programme.
Shield AI and Kraken demonstrate autonomous USV teaming in Portsmouth
Shield AI and Kraken Technology Group demonstrate Hivemind
Shield AI and Kraken demonstrate autonomous USV teaming in Portsmouth
Shield AI is trialling its Hivemind mission software, using teaming and swarming technology originally developed for autonomous aircraft in maritime roles.
Defence

29 Sep 2026

UK-Canada seabed to space programme adds The Structural Battery Company
The SB Co. Heavy-lift drone demo
UK-Canada seabed to space programme adds The Structural Battery Company
Innovate UK has brought The Structural Battery Company onboard its UK-Canada seabed to space programme.
KBR prepares to launch Trinzic as independent mission technology business
KBR's headquarters in Houston
KBR prepares to launch Trinzic as independent mission technology business
The planned January 2027 separation will create a publicly traded company focused on national security and space.
Member News Security Space

28 Sep 2026

NSSLGlobal Group acquires MetOcean Telematics (UK) Ltd
NSSLGlobal
NSSLGlobal Group acquires MetOcean Telematics (UK) Ltd
Through this acquisition, NSSLGlobal has expanded its communications and security capabilities with asset tracking by satellite, cellular and radio for blue light, border force and security services.
ACUA Ocean and Forssea Robotics integrate ARGOS ROV with USV Pioneer
USV-ROV deployment
ACUA Ocean and Forssea Robotics integrate ARGOS ROV with USV Pioneer
The culmination of three weeks of operations in Plymouth have proved that fully remote subsea inspection and light intervention from an uncrewed surface vessel can be conducted safely in weather that conventional crewed vessels struggle to operate.
KBR prepares to launch Trinzic as independent mission technology business
KBR's headquarters in Houston
KBR prepares to launch Trinzic as independent mission technology business
The planned January 2027 separation will create a publicly traded company focused on national security and space.
Member News Security Space

28 Sep 2026

First Turkish Typhoon pilots begin training at RAF Coningsby
Turkish Air Force Pilots Begin Typhoon Training in the UK
First Turkish Typhoon pilots begin training at RAF Coningsby
Two Turkish combat pilots have joined RAF Coningsby for Typhoon conversion and instructor training ahead of the first deliveries in 2030.
Aerospace Defence Security

28 Sep 2026