Nigel Whitehead

Nigel was appointed Group Managing Director of Programmes and Support, one of four Global Operating Groups in BAE Systems, in 2008. In this role he has responsibility for UK Businesses including Surface Ships, Submarines, Security, Systems Integration and Military Aircraft. These businesses deliver a £5billion turnover in predominantly engineering and manufacturing in defence and security markets.

Nigel undertakes a number of additional roles including Principal Shareholder representative on the Board of the BVT Surface Ships Joint Venture, Commissioner, UK Commission for Employment and Skills, Chairman of the UK Council of Electronic Business, Council Member, Society of British Aerospace Companies and Member of the Apprentice Ambassador Network.

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 24 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, with two daughters aged 17 & 19. In his spare time, Nigel enjoys painting.