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

CAA explores future for BVLOS drone ops
Amazon PrimeAir MK30 drone
CAA explores future for BVLOS drone ops
A new report from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) outlines a vision for enabling routine Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) commercial drone operations alongside existing UK airspace users.
Aerospace Security

3 Aug 2026

UK SMEs given support to commercialise proven solutions
Connected Places Catapult
UK SMEs given support to commercialise proven solutions
A new programme of tailored support is set to help UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with proven transport and construction solutions, to commercialise at scale.
Aerospace Security

3 Aug 2026

Gatwick faces two-day fuel shortage as airlines contend with higher costs
Air China London Gatwick
Gatwick faces two-day fuel shortage as airlines contend with higher costs
Gatwick Airport has warned airlines of a temporary jet fuel shortage caused by a technical fault. Long-haul flights are most likely to face operational challenges.
Aerospace Most Read

3 Aug 2026

Serco Defence UK appoints Mike Paterson as Maritime Services Director
Mike Paterson, Maritime Services Director, Serco Defence UK.
Serco Defence UK appoints Mike Paterson as Maritime Services Director
The appointment is part of Serco Defence UK's plans to grow and develop its Maritime portfolio.
Defence Member News

3 Aug 2026

First new homes delivered for British armed forces in Cyprus
Homes for British Armed Force personnel, at Dhekelia Station in Cyprus
First new homes delivered for British armed forces in Cyprus
The first phase of new homes for armed forces personnel and their families has been delivered under major programme in Cyprus.
Defence

3 Aug 2026

Why the UK’s new Brontanax CCA has to use American engines
Brontanax BAE Systems
Why the UK’s new Brontanax CCA has to use American engines
BAE may now design its Brontanax loyal wingman drone with US engines after Rolls-Royce's options were deemed too expensive.
Defence Most Read

3 Aug 2026

AccelerComm underpins Eclipse Space’s 5G physical layer for satellite constellations
UK From Space-Telecom
AccelerComm underpins Eclipse Space’s 5G physical layer for satellite constellations
Flight-proven 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) tech from Southampton based AccelerComm, is supporting a scalable direct-to-device and broadband architecture from Starlink veterans behind Eclipse Space.
Member News Space

31 Jul 2026

ALL.SPACE releases Hydra MAX wideband platform for multi-orbit ops
Hydra on Defender
ALL.SPACE releases Hydra MAX wideband platform for multi-orbit ops
ALL.SPACE has released Hydra MAX, designed to unlock next-generation wideband Ka networks with multi-orbit connectivity.
Defence Space

28 Jul 2026

Wiltshire schoolchildren take second place in international rocketry final
Abbeyfield School 2nd Place
Wiltshire schoolchildren take second place in international rocketry final
Schoolchildren from Chippenham achieved second place at the International Youth Rocketry Challenge during the Farnborough International Airshow.
Aerospace Defence Events Security ...

27 Jul 2026

CAA explores future for BVLOS drone ops
Amazon PrimeAir MK30 drone
CAA explores future for BVLOS drone ops
A new report from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) outlines a vision for enabling routine Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) commercial drone operations alongside existing UK airspace users.
Aerospace Security

3 Aug 2026

UK SMEs given support to commercialise proven solutions
Connected Places Catapult
UK SMEs given support to commercialise proven solutions
A new programme of tailored support is set to help UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with proven transport and construction solutions, to commercialise at scale.
Aerospace Security

3 Aug 2026

QinetiQ equips young people with cyber skills
CyberFirst Advanced at Lancaster University
QinetiQ equips young people with cyber skills
Hundreds of youngsters have been given the opportunity to equip themselves with real-world cyber skills.