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

Lanarkshire AI Growth Zone gains £300m investment as Dell establishes Scottish base
Lanarkshire’s AI Innovation Park
Lanarkshire AI Growth Zone gains £300m investment as Dell establishes Scottish base
A £202 million guarantee from the UK National Wealth Fund has attracted an investment of £300 million in Lanarkshire's AI Growth Zone, which with Dell Technologies establishing a base there too, is set to support over 3,400 skilled jobs.
EasyJet equips pilots with app to cut fuel and emissions
An easyJet pilot using i6
EasyJet equips pilots with app to cut fuel and emissions
The new eHandshake app from i6 Group allows pilots to order and confirm fuel digitally, providing them with more accurate fuel information, helping to cut unnecessary fuel burn and reduce emissions.
Aerospace

19 Aug 2026

Building resilience in aviation supply chains
Headshot for Brian Sartian, ONTIC
Building resilience in aviation supply chains
Brian Sartain, Chief Operating Officer at Ontic, examines the capacity, cost and skills pressures threatening long-term aerospace parts availability.
Aerospace

19 Aug 2026

Lanarkshire AI Growth Zone gains £300m investment as Dell establishes Scottish base
Lanarkshire’s AI Innovation Park
Lanarkshire AI Growth Zone gains £300m investment as Dell establishes Scottish base
A £202 million guarantee from the UK National Wealth Fund has attracted an investment of £300 million in Lanarkshire's AI Growth Zone, which with Dell Technologies establishing a base there too, is set to support over 3,400 skilled jobs.
Opening date revealed for £15m Royal Marines Experience in Portsmouth
Royal Marines Experience building exterior
Opening date revealed for £15m Royal Marines Experience in Portsmouth
The £15 million Royal Marines Experience will open at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard on 24 October 2026, creating a new permanent home for the Corps' history.
Defence

19 Aug 2026

Babcock engineering supplier network takes shape as Assystem and Amentum join
Type 31 Frigate rollout in Rosyth
Babcock engineering supplier network takes shape as Assystem and Amentum join
The two engineering specialists join AtkinsRéalis among 10 strategic suppliers selected to provide expertise across Babcock’s global portfolio.
Lanarkshire AI Growth Zone gains £300m investment as Dell establishes Scottish base
Lanarkshire’s AI Innovation Park
Lanarkshire AI Growth Zone gains £300m investment as Dell establishes Scottish base
A £202 million guarantee from the UK National Wealth Fund has attracted an investment of £300 million in Lanarkshire's AI Growth Zone, which with Dell Technologies establishing a base there too, is set to support over 3,400 skilled jobs.
UK satellite funding targets connectivity ‘not-spots’ for farmers and remote railways
Young farmer works with a digital tablet in a wheat field, smart farm and quality control
UK satellite funding targets connectivity ‘not-spots’ for farmers and remote railways
British farmers and passengers travelling through remote parts of Scotland could gain better connectivity through a new £13 million package backing 16 UK satellite communications projects.
Space

18 Aug 2026

SatVu’s space-based thermal intelligence reveals status of Texan LNG terminal
Golden Pass LNG terminal in Texas
SatVu’s space-based thermal intelligence reveals status of Texan LNG terminal
By using HotSat-2's MWIR sensor, SatVu has captured thermal data over the Golden Pass LNG terminal in Texas, with AllSource Analysis attributing thermal activity to the individual units and equipment within.
Member News Space

14 Aug 2026

Lanarkshire AI Growth Zone gains £300m investment as Dell establishes Scottish base
Lanarkshire’s AI Innovation Park
Lanarkshire AI Growth Zone gains £300m investment as Dell establishes Scottish base
A £202 million guarantee from the UK National Wealth Fund has attracted an investment of £300 million in Lanarkshire's AI Growth Zone, which with Dell Technologies establishing a base there too, is set to support over 3,400 skilled jobs.
AI to reduce 101 wait times and free up police time
Dorset Police 101 emergency service operator
AI to reduce 101 wait times and free up police time
A new AI call-routing system for 101 will get callers to the right service faster, whilst freeing up police to focus on tackling crime.
Security

19 Aug 2026

Babcock engineering supplier network takes shape as Assystem and Amentum join
Type 31 Frigate rollout in Rosyth
Babcock engineering supplier network takes shape as Assystem and Amentum join
The two engineering specialists join AtkinsRéalis among 10 strategic suppliers selected to provide expertise across Babcock’s global portfolio.