During his tenure as Chief Executive, Ian built a world-class defence engineering and technology business, providing vital capabilities to the UK and its allies and contributing to the security and economic prosperity of the nations in which BAE Systems operates. Since then, Ian has gone on to serve as a Non-Executive Director for the Department for Transport, Senior Independent Director at Schroders PLC and is Chair at Senior plc.
Since joining in 2019, Rebecca, or ‘Rebs’, has helped establish and build the Company’s UK veterans’ network to around 1,200 members and raised over £460,000 for charitable causes.
“It’s an incredible privilege to be recognised in this way. Service has always been at the heart of who I am, first as a British Army servicewoman and now as a veteran. The values I learned during my time in the military continue to guide me and I take great pride in continuing to serve in many different ways.
“The news of this honour has also given me a chance to reflect and be grateful for the many friends, colleagues and organisations who have helped me along the way. I couldn’t have achieved much of my endeavours without the support of BAE Systems and its armed forces-friendly policies and volunteering opportunities. I’m so proud to work for the Company and provide support to our communities and fulfil our Armed Forces Covenant pledges.”Rebs Foran-Coutts, Inclusion Manager, BAE Systems
Before joining the Company, Rebs served with the British Army from age 18 and was a decorated military linguist. She has since used her language skills in Pashto to bridge the gaps between military, corporate and humanitarian sectors, coordinating 60 tonnes of emergency aid for 8,400 Afghan refugees to where it was needed most during the allied withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
In a testament to her resilience and service to others, Rebs overcame adversity to get where she is today. Soon after a medical discharge from the military in 2014, she recovered from a near-fatal multiple pulmonary embolism and went on to pioneer Help for Heroes’ first para-polo team.
Rebs’ impact has been felt outside the military community as well, from supporting trafficked survivors in South Africa to creating pathways out of gang culture in the UK. During the Covid-19 pandemic, she served 1,000 hours as an NHS responder and delivered a 1,360 capacity temporary mortuary in West London. These days she also works in her local community as a Magistrate.
Elsewhere in the 2026 New Years Honours list, BAE Systems is proud to once again see many partners from across industry and the armed forces recognised for their invaluable work.
Rebs and Ian will be awarded their respective medals at an investiture ceremony in 2026.