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
May

Aerospace

May's air passenger demand down whilst air cargo demand rises

30 June 2026

International Air Transport Association (IATA) data for May 2026 global passenger demand revealed that air passenger demand fell by 2.2% and air cardo rose by 6.0%, compared to May 2025 levels.

SAS orders 18 A330neo aircraft

Aerospace

SAS orders 18 A330neo aircraft

30 June 2026

Scandinavian carrier SAS has placed a firm order with Airbus for 18 A330-900 aircraft powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, as part of its ongoing fleet renewal strategy.

London City Airport appoints Jonathan Rayner as COO

Aerospace

London City Airport appoints Jonathan Rayner as COO

30 June 2026

London City Airport has today announced the appointment of Jonathan Rayner as its new Chief Commercial Officer (COO) and a member of the Executive Committee.

ADS sees aircraft deliveries up 45%

Aerospace

ADS sees aircraft deliveries up 45%

30 June 2026

ADS has reported that commercial aircraft orders and deliveries have surged during May 2026, with aircraft deliveries seeing a 45% increase compared to May 2025.

Advertisement
ODU RT
CAA warns of risks posed by incorrectly packed batteries

Aerospace Security

CAA warns of risks posed by incorrectly packed batteries

26 June 2026

Ahead of the big summer getaway where over 60 million people are expected to be flying, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is telling all passengers to 'pack right for a safe flight' by taking their batteries in the cabin with them.

University of Bristol study looks at reducing vertical air taxi noise

Aerospace

University of Bristol study looks at reducing vertical air taxi noise

25 June 2026

The University of Bristol has published a study in Applied Acoustics this week, showing how landing pad design could reduce noise for vertical air taxis.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner