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
PTC rectangle

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


 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
HMG Paints develops apprenticeship pathways

Aerospace Defence

HMG Paints develops apprenticeship pathways

11 February 2026

As National Apprenticeship Week reaches its 19th year, HMG Paints is continuing its commitment to workforce development within the sector through a showcase of the various development pathways found within apprenticeships in the business.

ACS UK wins two tier-one airline contracts

Aerospace

ACS UK wins two tier-one airline contracts

11 February 2026

Aircraft interiors specialist, ACS UK, has secured two significant new contracts with tier-one global airlines, covering the design and manufacture of bespoke, customised monuments for widebody aircraft.

International Group launches IADA

Aerospace

International Group launches IADA

11 February 2026

The International Group announced yesterday that it has launched an aerospace and defence division - International Aerospace & Defence Alloys (IADA) - a dedicated business focused on high-integrity alloys for aerospace and defence programmes.

Bruderer UK and Brandauer invest to mark 60 years

Aerospace

Bruderer UK and Brandauer invest to mark 60 years

10 February 2026

Telford based Bruderer UK and Brandauer are marking 60 years of precision production with a £700,000 investment.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
AFD Systems expands its workforce

Aerospace

AFD Systems expands its workforce

10 February 2026

Advanced engineering and manufacturing specialist, AFD Systems, has invested in its continued growth with the recruitment of three new employees.

EgyptAir takes delivery of first of 16 A350-900s

Aerospace

EgyptAir takes delivery of first of 16 A350-900s

9 February 2026

EgyptAir has taken delivery of its first of 16 Airbus A350 900 on order, becoming the launch operator for the type in North Africa.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
ECS leaderboard banner