General Atomics

Navantia UK appoints Derek Jones as Chief Commercial and Business Development Officer

Navantia UK has today announced the appointment of Derek Jones as Chief Commercial and Business Development Officer.



Image courtesy Navantia UK


Derek Jones (above) brings over 30 years of experience in the defence sector to Navantia UK, including extensive leadership roles at Babcock International Group, BAE Systems and GEC Marconi.

Most recently, he served as Managing Director of the Type 31 Frigate Programme at Babcock, where he successfully led a £1.5 billion capital asset design and manufacture contract with the UK Ministry of Defence.

Juan de la Cueva, CEO of Navantia UK, said: "Derek’s appointment comes as we strengthen our operations following our recent acquisition of Harland & Wolff. His proven track record in complex defence projects, developing opportunities and building strong customer relationships will be invaluable as we continue to grow our business and deliver on our commitments to customers.”

During his time at Babcock, Jones has held several senior positions including Managing Director of Operations for the Marine Sector, International Shipbuilding Director, Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Marine Sector and Corporate Services Director. His experience spans major defence programmes including the Aircraft Carrier Alliance and the Future Maritime Support Programme.

Derek Jones said: "I am delighted to be joining Navantia UK at such an exciting time for the company. Combining Navantia’s global pedigree with the heritage and capabilities of the UK sites creates a robust platform for growth across the defence, maritime and energy sectors. I look forward to working with the team to deliver value for our customers and strengthen the UK’s sovereign industrial capabilities."

In his new role, Jones will be responsible for leading Navantia UK’s commercial strategy and business development activities.
 

Related

IndiGo suspends Manchester flights as airspace restrictions push up costs
MAG Manchester Mumbai IndiGo
IndiGo suspends Manchester flights as airspace restrictions push up costs
IndiGo has temporarily suspended flights from Manchester to Delhi and Mumbai, blaming longer flight times, airspace restrictions and rising operating costs.
Aerospace

2 Sep 2026

RAF Air Command becomes Air and Space Command as Britain elevates military space operations
An RAF-operated Typhoon FGR4 is displayed alongside two Storm Shadow ALCMs during an event at RAF Marham, Norfolk, on 1 September 2019. Image: MOD Crown Copyright/SAC Simon Armstrong
RAF Air Command becomes Air and Space Command as Britain elevates military space operations
With the growing importance of military space operations, the new name reflects the widening remit of the RAF’s primary operational division.
Aerospace Defence

1 Sep 2026

TEKEVER acquires Edinburgh-based Flowcopter
FIA 2026
TEKEVER acquires Edinburgh-based Flowcopter
The move is designed to expand TEKEVER's autonomous capabilities with advanced propulsion technology.
Serco awarded RAF Fylingdales early warning radar contract
RAF Fylingdales
Serco awarded RAF Fylingdales early warning radar contract
As part of the contract, a new software analytical tool developed by Serco - with the RAF and UK Space Command - is set to enhance RAF Fylingdales' detection and tracking system.
ALL.​SPACE to support adaptive space manufacturing for US Department of War DIU
ALL.SPACE sat comms
ALL.​SPACE to support adaptive space manufacturing for US Department of War DIU
In an effort to improve space manufacturing readiness and deployment of resilient solutions, the US Department of War Innovation Unit (DIU) has contracted ALL.​SPACE to assist in its rapid delivery of mission-critical multi-orbit satellite comms capabilities.
UK can’t assume wartime ship requisition will guarantee access to sealift, new report warns
A Royal Navy-operated Merlin HM4 hovers over the deck of the sanctioned Cameroonian-flagged crude oil tanker and suspected Russian 'shadow fleet' vessel, Smyrtos, during a maritime interdiction mission to seize the vessel on 14 June 2026. Image: MOD Crown Copyright/Royal Navy
UK can’t assume wartime ship requisition will guarantee access to sealift, new report warns
The UK may be able to requisition commercial vessels in a crisis, but modern shipping networks mean access to crews, specialist skills and support services is far from guaranteed.
Defence

2 Sep 2026

Serco awarded RAF Fylingdales early warning radar contract
RAF Fylingdales
Serco awarded RAF Fylingdales early warning radar contract
As part of the contract, a new software analytical tool developed by Serco - with the RAF and UK Space Command - is set to enhance RAF Fylingdales' detection and tracking system.
ALL.​SPACE to support adaptive space manufacturing for US Department of War DIU
ALL.SPACE sat comms
ALL.​SPACE to support adaptive space manufacturing for US Department of War DIU
In an effort to improve space manufacturing readiness and deployment of resilient solutions, the US Department of War Innovation Unit (DIU) has contracted ALL.​SPACE to assist in its rapid delivery of mission-critical multi-orbit satellite comms capabilities.
Teledyne passes 1,000 sensors in orbit with NASA Roman Telescope launch
The infrared focal plane with H4RG-10 detector
Teledyne passes 1,000 sensors in orbit with NASA Roman Telescope launch
The launch of NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope marks a major milestone for Teledyne, whose detector technology will enable the mission to investigate dark energy, hunt for exoplanets and survey billions of galaxies.
Member News Space

1 Sep 2026

Serco awarded RAF Fylingdales early warning radar contract
RAF Fylingdales
Serco awarded RAF Fylingdales early warning radar contract
As part of the contract, a new software analytical tool developed by Serco - with the RAF and UK Space Command - is set to enhance RAF Fylingdales' detection and tracking system.
Royal Navy support ship programme reaches key milestone at Appledore
Three Fleet Solid Support vessels being delivered for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary through a partnership between Navantia UK, BMT and Harland & Wolff.
Royal Navy support ship programme reaches key milestone at Appledore
Construction of the first Fleet Solid Support ship reaches a key milestone as work progresses on the Royal Navy's future replenishment fleet.
Defence Security

1 Sep 2026

TEKEVER acquires Edinburgh-based Flowcopter
FIA 2026
TEKEVER acquires Edinburgh-based Flowcopter
The move is designed to expand TEKEVER's autonomous capabilities with advanced propulsion technology.