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Nigel Whitehead
Nigel was appointed Group Managing Director of Programmes and Support, one of three Global Operating Groups in BAE Systems, in 2008. In this role he has responsibility for UK Businesses including Surface Ships, Submarines, Security, Systems Integration, Military Aircraft and the Group’s Shared Services operations. These businesses deliver a £6bn turnover in predominantly engineering and manufacturing in the defence and security markets.
Nigel undertakes a number of additional roles:
- Council Member, Royal Academy of Engineering
- Commissioner, UK Commission for Employment and Skills
- Trustee, WIG (Whitehall and Industry Group)
- Chairman, UK Council for Electronic Business
- Member, Apprentice Ambassador Network
- Council Member, A|D|S (Aerospace, Defence, Security)
Nigel is a Chartered Engineer, a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering.
Nigel's previous role was as Group Managing Director of the Military Air Solutions (MAS) business of BAE Systems, during which he was also a Supervisory Board Member of Eurofighter GmbH. With the exception of a brief period in charge of the BAE Systems team running the Astute Class submarine development and production, Nigel has been active in military aircraft design, development, production and support programmes for 25 years, working in the UK, Sweden and Australia.
Prior to joining British Aerospace as an aerodynamicist, Nigel worked for Rolls-Royce for four years as a production engineering apprentice and graduated in mechanical engineering.
Nigel is married to Heather and they have two daughters. In his spare time, Nigel enjoys painting.
