Rolls-Royce has announced changes to the Board and Executive Team, adding leaders with proven track records of delivering success and a strong commitment to creating a high-performing, competitive, resilient and growing business. This follows the launch of a transformation programme requiring a winning culture and shared determination to deliver sustainable earnings growth and cash generation by Chief Executive Tufan Erginbilgic, on February 23, 2023. The changes include the addition to senior leadership of extensive multinational experience in finance and performance management and the appointment of presidents with substantial industry experience in both Civil Aerospace and Defence.
Helen McCabe will be joining the Board of Rolls-Royce later this year as Chief Financial Officer, bringing more than 25 years of experience in senior finance and performance management roles within complex multinational engineering organisations. She is currently Senior Vice President, Finance for the Customer and Products division of BP.
Panos Kakoullis will remain as Chief Financial Officer and a member of the Board until at least August 31, 2023, in order to ensure the successful delivery and reporting of the Group’s half-year performance.
Rob Watson has been appointed as President – Civil Aerospace with immediate effect. He has spent the past five years building Rolls-Royce’s capabilities in electric aviation and during that time has demonstrated his ability to develop new technologies and products within a tight budgetary framework. He joined the Executive Team last year as President – Rolls-Royce Electrical.
As previously announced, Chris Cholerton is moving from his position as President – Civil Aerospace to become Group President, having successfully led the Civil Aerospace business through some of the greatest challenges in its history. As part of this role, he will take on executive responsibility for the Group’s nuclear operations. This includes Rolls-Royce Submarines, and the role of Interim CEO of Rolls-Royce SMR while a search is conducted for a successor to Tom Samson who, it has been agreed, will be leaving with immediate effect.
Adam Riddle has been appointed President – Defence, and Chairman and CEO – Rolls-Royce North America with immediate effect. Riddle has spent nearly a decade in Defence and played a pivotal role in the recent success of the division in clinching key contracts which will generate multi-year returns. He most recently led its successful global services operations, which account for over half of annual revenues for Defence.
