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

Skyports partners with Oita Prefecture to develop Advanced Air Mobility network
Skyports Oita MoU signing September 2026
Skyports partners with Oita Prefecture to develop Advanced Air Mobility network
Skyports Infrastructure has partnered with Oita Prefectural Government to explore routes, vertiport locations and future air taxi services ahead of a planned 2028 launch.
Aerospace Member News

4 Sep 2026

Wales aerospace, defence, security and space sectors add £2bn to economy
Welsh flag
Wales aerospace, defence, security and space sectors add £2bn to economy
According to new ADS data, Wales’ aerospace, defence, security and space industries contributed £2 billion to the economy in 2025, and supported more than 18,500 highly skilled jobs.
Heathrow expansion faces renewed opposition from London Mayor and Friends of the Earth
Heathrow third runway
Heathrow expansion faces renewed opposition from London Mayor and Friends of the Earth
London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Friends of the Earth have renewed their objections to the Heathrow expansion, as ministers continue reviewing plans for a third runway.
Aerospace

3 Sep 2026

Supacat begins building HMT Extenda vehicles for Czechia’s special forces
HMT
Supacat begins building HMT Extenda vehicles for Czechia’s special forces
Supacat has started production of 18 HMT Extenda vehicles for Czechia's special forces, with deliveries due to begin in 2027.
Defence Member News

4 Sep 2026

GM Defence appoints Simon Gray as its UK Director of Business Development
Simon Gray
GM Defence appoints Simon Gray as its UK Director of Business Development
GM Defence has appointed Simon Gray as Director of Business Development as it expands its UK presence and strengthens engagement with the MoD, Armed Forces and industry partners.
Defence Member News

4 Sep 2026

UK Armed Forces recruitment turnaround boosts pipeline of skilled workers
MoD Whitehall Building
UK Armed Forces recruitment turnaround boosts pipeline of skilled workers
The Armed Forces remains one of the UK’s leading routes into skilled careers, with opportunities across engineering, healthcare, cyber and digital roles.
Defence

4 Sep 2026

Wales aerospace, defence, security and space sectors add £2bn to economy
Welsh flag
Wales aerospace, defence, security and space sectors add £2bn to economy
According to new ADS data, Wales’ aerospace, defence, security and space industries contributed £2 billion to the economy in 2025, and supported more than 18,500 highly skilled jobs.
Open Cosmos selected for UK satellite communications framework
Earth from space.
Open Cosmos selected for UK satellite communications framework
Open Cosmos is to provide secure communications to the UK Government’s Tactical Communications (TacSys) framework, with the company’s LEO constellation supporting UK ambitions to build a resilient sovereign network to avoid reliance on mega-constellations.
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.
BMT launches Maritime Autonomous Systems e-learning course
eFleet
BMT launches Maritime Autonomous Systems e-learning course
As autonomous technologies rapidly evolve and the autonomy skills gap widens, BMT's maritime autonomy specialists have developed a new e-learning course to cultivate broader understanding of autonomy beyond specialist engineering teams.
Open Cosmos selected for UK satellite communications framework
Earth from space.
Open Cosmos selected for UK satellite communications framework
Open Cosmos is to provide secure communications to the UK Government’s Tactical Communications (TacSys) framework, with the company’s LEO constellation supporting UK ambitions to build a resilient sovereign network to avoid reliance on mega-constellations.
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.