Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • GKN Aerospace strengthens Executive Committee

Aerospace

GKN Aerospace strengthens Executive Committee

GKN Aerospace has appointed Krisstie Kondrotis as President of Defence effective 1st November, and Julie Smyth as General Counsel effective 25th November.


Courtesy GKN Aerospace

In their new roles, both will join the GKN Aerospace Executive Committee reporting to Hans Büthker, GKN Aerospace Chief Executive Officer.

In her newly-created role, Krisstie (above left) will lead GKN Aerospace’s growing Defence business and will be based in Dallas, USA. Krisstie joins GKN Aerospace from Spirit AeroSystems where she was Senior Vice President Defence Programs and Business Development. Prior to this, she was Vice President Business Development, Information Systems Sector at Northrop Grumman Corporation. Previously Krisstie held senior executive roles in the defence industry at General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle

As General Counsel, Julie will be based in London, UK, and will be accountable for legal, risk, compliance, and governance matters across the global aerospace business. Julie joins GKN Aerospace from BAE systems where she was Chief Counsel for the Air Sector. Prior to this, she was Chief Counsel Military Air and Information at BAE Systems. Julie brings more than 20 years’ experience in senior legal roles in the aerospace industry.

Hans Büthker, CEO GKN Aerospace said: “I’m excited to welcome both Krisstie and Julie to the business and our Executive Committee. They both bring a wealth of industry experience and, together with our customers and employees, they will play a key role in shaping the next step of our journey towards One GKN Aerospace.

“Krisstie brings a proven ability leading major programmes for our largest Defence customers and peers, as well as extensive leadership experience in building and strengthening global teams. Our Defence business is around 30% of our global sales today and Krisstie is the right leader to grow this business in the coming years.

“Similarly, Julie is a highly experienced General Counsel, with significant expertise in corporate reputational protection, compliance and regulation and governance. She is an expert negotiator and communicator, bringing over 20 years’ experience in senior legal roles to GKN Aerospace, as well as an outstanding background in the industry.

Advertisement
ODU RT

“I look forward to working with both Krisstie and Julie during this exciting time for GKN Aerospace.”


 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
Lane Electronics showcasing solutions at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2026

Aerospace Defence Events

Lane Electronics showcasing solutions at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2026

16 January 2026

Specialist connector distributor Lane Electronics, will be presenting a range of electrical connectors and accessories at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2026, being held at the Farnborough International Exhibition Centre, 3rd–5th February 2026.

Luton Airport tops landmark year with record customer satisfaction scores

Aerospace

Luton Airport tops landmark year with record customer satisfaction scores

16 January 2026

London Luton Airport (LLA) has rounded off a standout 2025 by welcoming more than 17.5 million passengers and achieving record customer satisfaction scores, marking one of the most successful years in the airport’s history.

IAG Cargo earns Top Employer recognition

Aerospace

IAG Cargo earns Top Employer recognition

16 January 2026

IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG), has been named a Top Employer in the UK for a third consecutive year.

Windracers ULTRA drone reaches 2,000km heavy-lift range

Aerospace

Windracers ULTRA drone reaches 2,000km heavy-lift range

15 January 2026

Windracers, the British civil and defence drone manufacturer, today announced that its dual-use heavy-lift drone Windracers ULTRA can now fly up to 2,000km in a single flight – the same distance as London to Marrakesh.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
New Aviation Ambassadors revealed

Aerospace

New Aviation Ambassadors revealed

15 January 2026

Thousands of young people across the UK will be inspired to pursue exciting and rewarding careers in aviation as the government confirms the next cohort of Aviation Ambassadors today.

NPAS aircraft deployment up in December 2025

Aerospace Security

NPAS aircraft deployment up in December 2025

14 January 2026

The National Police Air Service (NPAS) continues to provide vital aerial support to police forces across England and Wales, with its aircraft availability increasing in December 2025.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB