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
Leonardo animated 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
Spaceport Cornwall and National Drone Hub launch UAS project

Aerospace Space

Spaceport Cornwall and National Drone Hub launch UAS project

15 December 2025

The UK's first licensed spaceport, Spaceport Cornwall, has commenced work on a groundbreaking project with the National Drone Hub to establish a unique testing environment for uncrewed aerial systems (UAS).

Smiths Detection’s SDX 100100 DV HC on TSA ACSTL

Aerospace Security

Smiths Detection’s SDX 100100 DV HC on TSA ACSTL

15 December 2025

Smiths Detection's SDX 100100 DV HC X-ray scanner has been added to the Transportation Security Administration’s Air Cargo Screening Technology List (ACSTL), enabling its use by regulated operators across the US air cargo sector.

UK Government invests in next generation of aviators

Aerospace

UK Government invests in next generation of aviators

12 December 2025

Projects to inspire the next generation of aviators across the UK are set to get a boost as the Government today announced a £750,000 boost to projects inspiring young people to explore careers in aviation.

ITA Airways adopts Iris tech

Aerospace Space

ITA Airways adopts Iris tech

11 December 2025

Viasat has announced that ITA Airways is being equipped with Iris technology, paving the way to trajectory-based operations which can cut emissions and enhance airline efficiency.

Advertisement
Leonardo animated rectangle
Stansted records busiest ever November

Aerospace

Stansted records busiest ever November

11 December 2025

London Stansted had its busiest-ever November as it prepares for what is forecast to be a record-breaking festive season.

Report highlights potential of hydrogen in aviation

Aerospace

Report highlights potential of hydrogen in aviation

10 December 2025

Rolls-Royce, easyJet, Heathrow and University College London Air Transportation Systems Lab (UCL ATSLab), have published a report highlighting how hydrogen-powered aircraft could enable European and UK aviation to cut carbon emissions while supporting future growth.

Advertisement
ODU RT