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

Intelligent Energy debuts heavy-lift hydrogen UAV powertrain 
Drone power train
Intelligent Energy debuts heavy-lift hydrogen UAV powertrain 
Intelligent Energy has introduced a 120kW hydrogen fuel cell powertrain for heavy-lift fixed-wing UAVs capable of carrying payloads of up to 750kg.
UK secures Gibraltar’s economic future, but concerns raised over application of EU’s EES
UK secures Gibraltar’s economic future, but concerns raised over application of EU’s EES
The Minister of State, Stephen Doughty, signs the UK-EU treaty to secure Gibraltar’s economic future; however, the EU’s Entry/Exit System checks now loom for Brits.
Aerospace Most Read

16 Jul 2026

Sigma Advanced Systems to acquire Bromford Precision Solutions
Bromford Precision Solutions workers
Sigma Advanced Systems to acquire Bromford Precision Solutions
Sigma Advanced Systems, parent company of Nasmyth, is set to acquire Bromford Precision Solutions in a move that will strengthen UK aerospace manufacturing capability.
Aerospace Member News

15 Jul 2026

Intelligent Energy debuts heavy-lift hydrogen UAV powertrain 
Drone power train
Intelligent Energy debuts heavy-lift hydrogen UAV powertrain 
Intelligent Energy has introduced a 120kW hydrogen fuel cell powertrain for heavy-lift fixed-wing UAVs capable of carrying payloads of up to 750kg.
QinetiQ enhances EW test and training capability for British MoD
Illustration of an electronic warfare emitter transmitting radio-frequency signals across a maritime environment, with signals interacting between a naval vessel, aircraft, missile and radar system.
QinetiQ enhances EW test and training capability for British MoD
QinetiQ has invested in an advanced electronic warfare (EW) emitter system, designed to better train and prepare military personnel for real life scenarios in increasingly complex threat environments.
Defence Member News

15 Jul 2026

GE Aerospace to power UK’s AW149 New Medium Helicopter fleet
Leonardo AW149 for UK New Medium Helicopter
GE Aerospace to power UK’s AW149 New Medium Helicopter fleet
Leonardo has selected GE Aerospace’s CT7-2E1 engine for the UK’s 23 AW149 helicopters, completing another milestone in the NMH programme.
Defence Member News

15 Jul 2026

ADS surpasses 2,000 member organisations for the first time
ADS at Farnborough International Airshow
ADS surpasses 2,000 member organisations for the first time
ADS has passed 2,000 member organisations for the first time, following a record year of membership growth across aerospace, defence, security and space.
More than 600 finance leaders confirmed for Farnborough International Airshow
Aerospace Global News Theatre at Farnborough International Airshow
More than 600 finance leaders confirmed for Farnborough International Airshow
Farnborough International Airshow will bring together more than 600 finance and investment leaders for its first dedicated summit connecting capital with aerospace, defence, space and security.
York completes $300m acquisition of ALL.SPACE
York Space Systems completes acquisition of ALL.SPACE
York completes $300m acquisition of ALL.SPACE
York Space Systems has completed its acquisition of ALL.SPACE, bringing multi-orbit terminal technology together with space infrastructure and mission operations capability.
Member News Space

11 Jul 2026

ADS surpasses 2,000 member organisations for the first time
ADS at Farnborough International Airshow
ADS surpasses 2,000 member organisations for the first time
ADS has passed 2,000 member organisations for the first time, following a record year of membership growth across aerospace, defence, security and space.
More than 600 finance leaders confirmed for Farnborough International Airshow
Aerospace Global News Theatre at Farnborough International Airshow
More than 600 finance leaders confirmed for Farnborough International Airshow
Farnborough International Airshow will bring together more than 600 finance and investment leaders for its first dedicated summit connecting capital with aerospace, defence, space and security.
£251m policing package to strengthen protection for Jewish communities
Police on patrol to protect Jewish citizens
£251m policing package to strengthen protection for Jewish communities
The government has announced more than £250 million over three years to increase policing, counter-terrorism capability and specialist protection for Jewish communities across England and Wales.
Security

13 Jul 2026