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
ODU RT

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
ADS reveals surge in April aircraft orders

Aerospace

ADS reveals surge in April aircraft orders

3 June 2026

According to the latest data from ADS - the trade association for the UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space industries - commercial aircraft orders surged in April 2026, reaching their highest level for this month, in a decade.

NATS, DroneCloud and Network Rail complete CNI drone trial

Aerospace Security

NATS, DroneCloud and Network Rail complete CNI drone trial

3 June 2026

NATS, DroneCloud and Network Rail have completed a major project exploring how drones could be safely used at scale around Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), including for rail inspections and incident response.

Getac launches rugged ZX80W and ZX80W-EX tablets

Aerospace Defence Security

Getac launches rugged ZX80W and ZX80W-EX tablets

3 June 2026

Getac today announced the expansion of its ZX80 range of eight inch fully rugged tablets with the launch of the new ZX80W and ZX80W-EX, which are two lightweight, highly mobile Windows 11 devices built on ARM architecture.

JMI achieves Honeywell Aerospace Channel Partner status

Aerospace

JMI achieves Honeywell Aerospace Channel Partner status

3 June 2026

Oxford based Jet Maintenance International (JMI)has been awarded TFE731 Line Maintenance Plus and APU Line Authorised Channel Partner status by Honeywell Aerospace.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Civil Aviation Bill to support airspace modernisation and enhance safety

Aerospace

Civil Aviation Bill to support airspace modernisation and enhance safety

3 June 2026

The Civil Aviation Bill, now going through second reading and announced in the King’s Speech in May, will support the modernisation of UK airspace, enhance safety standards and give the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) new enforcement powers, including to fine the minority of airlines and airports that fail to deliver for passengers.

GAL works with two Wildlife Trusts to remove CO2e

Aerospace

GAL works with two Wildlife Trusts to remove CO2e

3 June 2026

Gatwick Airport Limited (GAL) has partnered with two Wildlife Trusts to help remove carbon emissions.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner