Rees Ward named new head of ADS
Ward (above) will assume the new chief executive officer role, reporting directly to the ADS president. This enhanced role has been created by the merging of the previous executive chairman and CEO positions that existed following the merger of the Society of British Aerospace Companies, the Defence Manufacturers Association and the Association of Police and Public Security suppliers in October 2009.
Ward will be supported by his deputy, Graham Chisnall, who joined ADS in 2010 and brings with him a wealth of experience in aerospace and industrial operations both in the UK and internationally.
Ian Godden will remain non executive chairman of the ADS subsidiary, Farnborough International Limited, reporting to the ADS president.
Godden said: “We are pleased to confirm Rees Ward as the leader of ADS. The two of us have worked well together over the last two years to create ADS, a new and vibrant organisation promoting the highly successful British-based engineering, manufacturing and specialised service companies in our four sectors. There are still many ways in which ADS can improve and evolve and I am confident that Rees, backed by a strong director team, can forge ahead. I wish Rees and the ADS team all the best for the future and will now focus on ensuring Farnborough International continues to thrive and develop under the leadership of its CEO, Shaun Ormrod.”
Ward said: “I am delighted to be taking over from Ian as head of the UK’s national aerospace, defence, security and space trade organisation. ADS has emerged as a strong organisation, delivering quality services to a growing membership. It is ready to take the next step in its development and I feel privileged to be invited to lead the organisation at a time when our members look to us for effective interaction with Government and supporting them as they sustain and grow their businesses. Everyone at ADS remains committed to putting the interests of members first and I am confident that the ADS team will deliver for our members no matter what the coming business climate may hold for us all.”