VACANCIES
15 Feb 24. EUROPEAN DEFENCE AGENCY(EDA)Vacancy notices
*Directorate: Capability, Armament and Planning Directorate (CAP)
Vacancy title: Project Officer Maritime Capabilities
Contract type:
Seconded National Expert
Group:
N.A.
Grade:
AD10/AD11
Indicative starting date:
16/06/2024
Level of Security Clearance:
SECRET UE/EU SECRET
Management of staff: N.A.
Location: Brussels
Closing date for applications:
29/02/2024
*Directorate: Capability, Armament and Planning Directorate (CAP)
Vacancy title: Project Officer – Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD) and EU Collaboration in Defence (EUCLID)
Contract type: Temporary agent
Group: N.A.
Grade: AD10
Indicative starting date: 01/06/2024
Level of Security Clearance: SECRET UE/EU SECRET
Management of staff: N.A.
Location: Brussels
Closing date for applications: 29/02/2024
*Directorate: Research, Technology and Innovation Directorate (RTI)
Vacancy title: Project Manager – Consultation Forum for Sustainable Energy in the Defence and Security Sector (CF SEDSS)
Contract type: Temporary agent
Group: N.A.
Grade: AD8
Indicative starting date: 01/06/2024
Level of Security Clearance:
SECRET UE/EU SECRET
Management of staff: N.A.
Location: Brussels
Closing date for applications: 29/02/2024
*Directorate: Corporate Services Directorate
Vacancy title: Grants Officer
Contract type: Temporary agent
Group: N.A.
Grade: AD8
Indicative starting date: 01/06/2024
Level of Security Clearance: SECRET UE/EU SECRET
Management of staff: N.A.
Location: Brussels
Closing date for applications: 14/03/2024
*Directorate: Capability, Armament and Planning Directorate (CAP)
Vacancy title: Project Officer Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD)
Contract type: Seconded National Expert
Group: N.A.
Grade: AD10/AD11
Indicative starting date: 01/06/2024
Level of Security Clearance: SECRET UE/EU SECRET
Management of staff: N.A.
Location: Brussels
Closing date for applications: 14/03/2024
*Directorate: Industry, Synergies and Enablers Directorate (ISE)
Vacancy title: Project Officer REACH
Contract type: Seconded National Expert
Group: N.A.
Grade: AD10/AD11
Indicative starting date: 01/09/2024
Level of Security Clearance: SECRET UE/EU SECRET
Management of staff: N.A.
Location: Brussels
Closing date for applications: 18/04/2024
*Directorate: Capability, Armament and Planning Directorate (CAP)
Vacancy title: Project Officer CBRN Defence
Contract type: Seconded National Expert
Group: N.A.
Grade: AD10/AD11
Indicative starting date: 16/06/2024
Level of Security Clearance: SECRET UE/EU SECRET
Management of staff: N.A.
Location: Brussels
Closing date for applications: 18/04/2024
(Source: EDA)
12 Feb 24. NUAIR seeks marketing coordinator to support day-to-day strategy development. The Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance (NUAIR) seeks applicants for the role of Marketing Coordinator to join its Syracuse team to define, shape, and build the future of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and advanced air mobility (AAM). The Marketing Coordinator will be deeply involved in the day-to-day tactics and annual marketing strategy of NUAIR. Reporting to the Director of Marketing, the Marketing Coordinator will work with multiple departments including Business Development, Product Development, Operations, and Finance.
Marketing Coordinator Responsibilities:
– Design creative graphics for social media and email campaigns.
– Tell the story of NUAIR and its projects through content writing for social media, web, and other platforms.
– Track and report out on online analytics (traffic, followers, etc.).
– Assist with domestic/international tradeshow and conference logistics and planning.
– Collaborate with Director of Marketing to build out and enhance the NUAIR brand and industry presence.
Application details here
For more information visit: www.nuair.org
(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
12 Feb 24. Innov’ATM seeks applicants for role of executive assistant office manager. Drone services company Innov’ATM is recruiting for the position of Executive Assistant, Office Manager working for the Toulouse office. Responsibilities include:
- You will be responsible for the physical and telephone reception of the company;
- You will assist the managers in all their tasks, coordinate diaries, manage schedules, appointments, correspondence and events;
- You will coordinate the travel of the company’s employees;
- You organise internal and external information, often confidential, relating to the company’s operations;
- You will draft and proofread documents of various forms and content (reports, correspondence, minutes, etc.);
- You will manage various company matters (archiving, management of supplies, various service providers, etc.).
Application details here
For more information visit: www.innov-atm.com
(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
LOCATIONS
LAND
15 Feb 24. BAE Systems shelves Barrow production plant plans.
Major plans from BAE Systems to build a new production facility at a site in Barrow have been shelved.
BAE Systems has withdrawn a planning application to build Ramsden Dock Facility (RDF) on land at Dova Way.
It would have been used to support the design and commission of some of the most advanced submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy.
A spokesman for the company said: “We continue to explore a range of options to support the ongoing expansion of our Barrow site and the delivery of the Royal Navy’s submarine programme.
“While the land at Dova Way was one of a number of potential locations we had considered, we have decided not to pursue this option at this time.”
Plans were initially lodged with Westmorland and Furness Council in August to build the 40,565 sqm building which would have hosted around 400 workers during the day shift, 250 during the night shift as well as 165 office workers.
The planning statement said: “RDF will support the design, build, test and commission of the most advanced submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy.
“The programmes represent a generational opportunity to deliver improvements that will contribute towards sustaining long term contribution to security and prosperity.
“The shipyard in Barrow is charged with delivering one of the most complex engineering and manufacturing challenges facing the UK.”
According to planning documents the proposed facility would have been a similar operational site to the Central Yard Facility on BAE System’s main site.
The planning statement added if a new facility was provided in 2025 it would ‘significantly benefit’ the current boat build programme at the Central Yard Facility.
On the proposed facility at Dova Way, Associated British Ports said: “We have closely reviewed the proposed development and believe that it represents a significant opportunity for the continued growth and enhancement of our local industrial and maritime operations.
“The expansion of BAE Systems Ramsden Dock Facility aligns with our shared commitment to promoting economic development, technological advancement, and employment opportunities in the region.”
The site is around 6.8 hectares (16.8 acres) in size and has historically been used for industrial purposes related to Barrow Port. (Source: News Now/https://cumbriacrack.com/)
MARITIME
13 Feb 24. Royal Navy’s HMS Dragon nearing 2024 fleet return after engine upgrade. HMS Dragon passed a milestone in its overhaul with the successful engine start following a Power Improvement Project. The Royal Navy’s Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon is poised for a return to operational duty in 2024 following a significant upgrade as part of the Power Improvement Project (PIP). The initiative aims to resolve longstanding issues with the propulsion and power generation systems that have affected the Type 45 fleet, especially under challenging conditions.
Since March 2022, HMS Dragon has been docked in Portsmouth undergoing extensive modifications. This work includes the replacement of its original diesel engines with three new, more efficient, and powerful generators. This upgrade not only enhances the destroyer’s operational reliability and performance but also contributes to a greener footprint.
The PIP, a critical response to the technical difficulties encountered by the Type 45 destroyers, including electrical problems and power outages in hot climates, has reached a notable milestone with HMS Dragon. The successful start-up of one of the new engines marks a significant step towards the ship’s readiness for sea trials and eventual reintegration into the fleet.
Lieutenant Commander James Baddeley said “It is really exciting to see the PIP installation coming to life to increase the capability of the platform, the successful first start is testament to all the hard work which has gone into the design and installation onboard.”
HMS Dragon’s upgrades include not just the engine replacements but also the integration of these systems to ensure they work harmoniously to power the vessel’s advanced sensors, weapons, and other systems. These trials in Portsmouth will confirm the correct installation and remote controllability of the engines. (Source: naval-technology.com)
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
12 Feb 24. Ms Alison Thorpe has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Rwanda in succession to Mr Omar Daair OBE, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Ms Thorpe will take up her appointment during September 2024.
15 Feb 24. Mr Philip Malone LVO has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Kingdom of Tonga in succession to Ms Lucy Joyce OBE. Mr Malone will take up his appointment during May 2024.
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
14 Feb 24. Army Col. James D. Burk for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Burk is currently serving as command surgeon, U.S. Army Forces Command, Fort Liberty, North Carolina.
14 Feb 24. Army Col. Andrew L. Landers for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Landers is currently serving as commander, 68th Medical Command (Deployment Support); and command surgeon, U.S. Army Europe-Africa, Germany.
14 Feb 24. Army Col. Bill A. Soliz for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Soliz is currently serving as commander, Medical Readiness Command, Pacific; and director, Defense Health Region Agency Indo-Pacific, Defense Health Agency, Honolulu, Hawaii.
14 Feb 24. Army Col. Yolanda R. Summons for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Summons is currently serving as deputy chief of staff for operations, U.S. Army Medical Command, Falls Church, Virginia.]
REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS
11 Feb 24. Zelenskiy appoints Oleksandr Pavliuk as new ground forces chief. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has appointed Oleksandr Pavliuk, former first deputy defence minister, as the new commander of Ukraine’s ground forces, according to a decree published on Sunday. Pavliuk, a lieutenant-general who served in the ministry role for a year, replaces Col. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi after he was tapped this week as commander of Ukraine’s armed forces. (Source: Reuters)
INDUSTRY
PERSONNEL
12 Feb 24. The UK’s nuclear sector is launching its first ever sector-wide initiative to attract and recruit people over the next two decades, as it enters a new era of government-backed expansion. The civil and defence nuclear workforce will need to double over the next 20 years – supporting around 80,000 additional skilled jobs across the UK.
Destination Nuclear, which brings together Government, sector organisations and their supply chains, education institutions, aims to deliver against the UK’s nuclear ambition, by attracting and recruiting more people into the industry to help fill critical skills gaps.
The UK’s nuclear sector is in a positive period of growth, and the workforce will expand further following the AUKUS Nuclear submarine partnership and the Government’s ambition for nuclear power to generate a quarter of the UK’s electricity by 2050, strengthening energy security and independence.
The campaign will target those considering a career change with transferrable skills, as well as supporting a commitment to apprenticeships and graduate schemes and increasing the opportunity for PhD students across industry-leading organisations. The campaign will also benefit national and regional employment, as well as supporting broader EDI (equality, diversity and inclusion) and social mobility goals through reaching a much broader audience.
Re-skilling the workforce of today for tomorrow
The sector is investing in recruiting and developing a highly skilled workforce as it accelerates its growth and innovation. This includes working with other sectors and developing training programmes to re-skill people who may be transferring from other industries
Techniques already being used by those working in other sectors including construction and manufacturing – digital, robotics and artificial intelligence – will also be harnessed to fill nuclear roles such as welding, systems engineers, project planning and civil and structural engineers.
Minister for Nuclear, Andrew Bowie said: “The UK has begun the biggest nuclear power expansion in 70 years, with our world leading SMR competition and plans for a new mega nuclear plant similar in scale to Sizewell or Hinkley.
“To meet our ambitions, we need to rapidly ramp up recruitment in the sector, making sure we have enough people from engineers to welders to design and build new nuclear.
“Nuclear has fantastic career opportunities, and we want people of all ages to consider joining a key industry of the future.”
Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge said: “People are at the heart of our nuclear sector, and the role they play helps keep the country safe around the clock.
“We have hugely exciting decades ahead in defence nuclear work, including global partnerships, such as AUKUS, so it’s right we work collaboratively with the industry right now to realise the skills potential back home.”
Simone Rossi, CEO EDF commented: “EDF’s nuclear businesses aim to hire more than 1,000 people this year, to work at power stations, new build projects and in technical and support roles. It is an exciting time to be working in the sector but finding enough of the right people is challenging. That is why we are supporting “Destination Nuclear” to help more people realise the wealth of opportunities in this vital sector.”
Lynne Matthews, Head of Destination Nuclear, said: “Destination Nuclear has provided a focal point where the sector has come together to deliver this vital campaign programme. To deliver our nuclear ambition we need to significantly grow the workforce.
“Many potential candidates may have not considered nuclear as a career. Destination Nuclear will help show the wealth of opportunities the sector has to offer and help a broader range of people explore and venture into a career that is challenging, rewarding and sustainable.”
Simon Bowen, Great British Nuclear said: “For those of us who have been in the industry for a while and passionate about its future contribution to society, Destination Nuclear is a game changer. It demonstrates how a united effort can result in delivering huge benefit with everyone collaborating for the future success of the industry – Destination Nuclear, the awareness and recruitment campaign and our website representing all major organisations in the sector is simply amazing.
“I am deeply proud of what has been achieved and want to congratulate all those involved.”
The role of nuclear in the future of the UK
The revival of nuclear as part of the clean energy transition, and national security and independence supported by the large-scale investment from the government, demonstrates the national significance of the sector as the UK aims to be a global leader in innovation and technology.
As outlined in the government’s Civil Nuclear Roadmap published in January 2024, nuclear plays a vital role in the development of reliable, resilient, and low-carbon energy and reduces the dependence on volatile fossil fuel imports. More broadly, in the long-term it will help to reduce household energy bills, support thousands of jobs and improve UK energy security.
To find out more about Destination Nuclear or career options available in the sector, please visit our website DestinationNuclear.com
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
12 Feb 24. ADS Group Ltd., the UK trade association for the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors, has today announced the appointment of David Lockwood, CEO of Babcock, as their new President.
ADS Board to gain two further members
Nigel Woodford, UK Managing Director for Safran, also joins the ADS Board as Vice-President, Aerospace. Woodford’s extensive background in the aerospace sector, combined with his strong leadership skills, will play a crucial role in advancing ADS Group’s mission to foster innovation and collaboration within the industry. Further joining the ADS Board is John Harrison, Airbus’ General Counsel and Corporate Secretary and a member of the Airbus Executive Committee since June 2015. John has served as Chairman of Airbus UK since January 2019 and as Head of Airbus Public Affairs since January 2024. He is an accomplished leader in the aerospace industry and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the organization. His expertise will contribute significantly to ADS Group’s strategic decision-making and industry advocacy efforts. (Source: Google/https://www.themanufacturer.com/)
12 Feb 24. Marshall announced the appointment of Bob Baxter to the newly created role of Chief Growth Officer to lead global strategy, business development and sales across its Business Lines. Over the past 40 years, Baxter has led business growth initiatives for several multinational aerospace and defence industry leaders including GEC Marconi, Raytheon, BAE SYSTEMS, Leonardo and most recently Thales. Baxter will head up a new global team charged with supporting regional operations in identifying and developing opportunities in new and existing markets.
12 Feb 24. QinetiQ Group plc (“QinetiQ” or the “Group”) is pleased to announce the appointment of two independent Non-Executive Directors to its Board. Ross McEwan CBE will join the QinetiQ Board on 1 March 2024. Ross has been Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of National Australia Bank Limited (NAB) since December 2019 and, as recently announced, will retire from NAB on 1 July 2024. Dina Knight will join the QinetiQ Board on 1 March 2024. Dina is Chief People Officer of global technology services and solutions provider Datatec Group and Logicalis International, accountable for its people operations and strategy.
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
15 Feb 24. DCS Corporation announced the appointment of Todd MacLeod to Vice President and Division Manager of the TACOM PM Support Division, effective January 1, 2024. Todd has been a consistent driver of growth, providing engineering, operations, and acquisition support to Program Executive Office (PEO) Ground Combat Systems (GCS) and PEO Combat Support & Combat Service Support (CS&CSS). In this new role, Todd will look to continue that growth while maintaining a team of defense acquisition professionals who consistently deliver high quality support to their customers. (Source: PR Newswire)
14 Feb 24. Frontier Technology Inc. (FTI), a leading provider of deep data expertise and mission-tailored services and solutions to the United States Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community, today announced it has hired seven new executives. FTI’s newest leaders Lincoln Hudson, Jennifer Nix, Dr. Jonathan “Jody” Avooske, Rudy Fernandez, Ronald C. Merritt, Pamela Way, and Jason Wentz further strengthen the company’s proven technology and service offerings across its Space, Navy, and Cyber Security Operating Groups.
New FTI hires
Lincoln Hudson joined in 2023 as chief operations officer, bringing over 25 years of experience supporting the DoD. Lincoln has a proven track record of applying technologies to create sustainable and affordable solutions that benefit customers on all levels. Previously, Lincoln held the position of senior vice president at Booz Allen Hamilton, guiding a team of 850 employees, and managing the growth and transition of a $300 m business. Lincoln also spent 15 years at Northrop Grumman in roles from chief engineer to strategy director, and several years at General Dynamics early in his career. Lincoln holds a Master of Science degree in System Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
Jennifer Nix joined in 2023 as vice president of air and space operations. She brings more than 25 years of experience in the defense and space industries, most recently as senior director of space systems at L3Harris and member of the operational leadership team at DigitalGlobe (now Maxar). Nix holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Colorado State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Geography from Wright State University.
Dr. Jonathan “Jody” Avooske joined in 2023 as vice president of information advantage. Previously, Avooske completed 20 years of active duty in the U.S. Navy Submarine Force followed by 20 years of civilian experience in cyber, advanced analytics, intelligence, and electronic warfare. He holds a Doctor of Business Administration degree, specializing in the Management of Engineering and Technology, from Northcentral University; a Master of Science degree in Strategic Management from Indiana University; and a Bachelor of Science degree in Integrated Supply Chain Management from the University of Phoenix.
Rudy Fernandez joins as vice president of Navy operations and brings more than 35 years of experience with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Navy. Fernandez previously served as senior director in the Maritime Systems and Integration Operating Unit, and as Charlottesville site lead at Northrop Grumman. He also held various management positions over 10 years at Advanced Acoustic Concepts (AAC), a Joint Venture between DRS and Thales, and served as a submarine officer in the Navy for 22 years. Fernandez holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Chaminade University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Mathematics from Jacksonville University.
Pamela Way (formerly Pamela Ireland) joined FTI in 2023 as director of business development, focusing on tech-enabled solutions for the Navy and USMC. Her 32-year career within the aerospace and defense sectors spans senior leadership roles in business intel, government relations, program management, strategy, and business development at Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, and Lone Star Analysis. Way holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the M.J. Neeley School of Business at Texas Christian University, and a B.A. in International Relations from The Johns Hopkins University.
Ronald C. Merritt joins as director of naval operations. Previously, Merritt served as director of information operations for KBR, where he led diverse teams delivering technical solutions to government and commercial customers in intelligence, military space technology, C4ISR, and systems integration. Prior to KBR, he served as the chief of force management for the Initiatives Group under the U.S. Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence. Before joining the private sector, he served as a surface warfare officer on multiple warships during his 21-year career in the U.S. Navy. Merritt has a B.S. in Computer Science from The Citadel and a Master’s degree in National Security & Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College.
Jason Wentz joins as strategic account executive. Wentz previously served as vice president with Scientific Research Corporation, managing contracts with the U.S. Space Force, Navy, and Marines. Before that, he was senior program manager at Omitron, Inc. where he managed all aspects of contractual support to NAVWAR, led a team of highly technical SMEs in support of classified programs for the Navy and Air Force, and operationally administered SSA for human space flight safety, providing collision avoidance data to NASA and other DoD customers. Wentz holds a Master’s in Business Administration degree from La Verne University. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
15 Feb 24. J.F. Lehman & Company (“JFLCO”), a leading middle-market private equity firm focused exclusively on the aerospace, defense, maritime, government and environmental sectors, is pleased to announce several promotions and new hires.
Promotions effective January 2024 included Nicholas J. Andonian, James G. Dudzik and Jake T. Korek to Senior Associate. “We are pleased to recognize the skills, dedication and contributions that Nick, James and Jake have made since joining the firm nearly three years ago,” said Glenn M. Shor, Partner. “Their success is yet another example of our strong track record of developing talent and rewarding excellence.”
The firm also recently announced the addition of Georgia C. Cochrane as Deputy Chief Compliance Officer, Leon D. Frohlich as Director of Credit Operations & Finance and Tony C. Blackthorn and Jordan M. Janoff as Associates. “The firm remains committed to proactively onboarding talented professionals to support our continued growth and success,” said Louis N. Mintz, Partner. “We anticipate the added depth, fresh perspectives and further enhancement of our functional areas will translate into value across the organization.”
Recent Promotions
Nicholas J. Andonian, Senior Associate. Prior to joining the firm in 2021 as an Associate, Mr. Andonian began his career at Goldman Sachs as an Investment Management Analyst before transitioning to the Cross Markets Group in the Investment Banking Division. He graduated magna cum laude from Middlebury College, where he earned a B.A. in economics with a minor in Spanish.
James G. Dudzik, Senior Associate. Prior to joining the firm in 2021 as an Associate, Mr. Dudzik began his career as an Investment Banking Analyst in Houlihan Lokey’s Global Industrials Group. He graduated from the University of Virginia, where he earned a B.A. in economics.
Jake T. Korek, Senior Associate. Prior to joining the firm in 2021 as an Associate, Mr. Korek began his career as an Investment Banking Analyst in Wells Fargo’s Industrials Group. He graduated from the University of Virginia, where he earned a B.S. in commerce with a concentration in finance and a track in real estate.
Recent Team Additions
Georgia C. Cochrane, Deputy Chief Compliance Officer. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Cochrane most recently served as the Chief Compliance Officer for the Chief Investment Office of Prudential Financial. Ms. Cochrane was previously the Chief Compliance Officer for registered entities of Guggenheim Partners LLC and has held numerous compliance-related roles at Invesco, AIG Investments, and Morgan Stanley. She graduated from Rutgers University, where she earned a B.A. in political science.
Leon D. Frohlich, Director of Credit Operations & Finance. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Frohlich served as a Director of Operations at Olympus Peak Asset Management. Previously, Mr. Frohlich held various operations roles, including Head of US Operations at Silver Ridge Assessment Management, Credit Trading Assistant at Apollo Global Management, Credit Operations Analyst at Fortress Investment Group. He began his career in operations at International Fund Services. He earned a B.A. in finance from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and an M.B.A and M.S. in finance from Boston College. Mr. Frohlich is a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA).
Tony C. Blackthorn, Associate. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Blackthorn was an Investment Banking Analyst in William Blair’s Technology Group. Mr. Blackthorn began his career as a Financial Analyst at PSA Airlines. He earned a B.S. in finance from Wright State University and an M.S. in finance from Indiana University, Kelley School of Business.
Jordan M. Janoff, Associate. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Janoff began his career as an Investment Banking Analyst in Deutsche Bank’s Global Industrials Group, where he covered the transportation, logistics, airline and automotive industries and was promoted to Associate. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Arizona, where he earned a B.S.B.A. in finance.
14 Feb 24. McNally Capital (“McNally”), a private equity firm, is pleased to announce the promotion of six team members, including Ravi P. Shah to Partner. Ravi joined McNally Capital in 2016 and focuses on leading the investment team across the National Security, Aerospace, and Industrial Technology & Automation industries.
Ravi co-led the creation of the firm’s investment thesis in National Security. He is instrumental in driving investments within that industry, including current portfolio companies Orbis, Xcelerate Solutions, FedData, and Altamira Technologies. Ravi also played a crucial role in driving the firm’s acquisition of Smith & Oby and Dedicated Computing, as well as the investment in and exit of Genesys Aerosystems. He is a member of McNally Capital’s Investment Committee.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to step into the role of Partner at McNally Capital. I feel grateful for the trust our investors and management teams have placed in us as their partners. I remain committed and look forward to continuing to serve our mission by partnering with owners and management teams to navigate the growth journey,” said Ravi Shah.
In addition to Ravi, five other team members have been promoted. Each colleague meets McNally Capital’s high leadership standards and has meaningfully contributed to driving distinctive performance for the firm’s investors and portfolio companies.
Michael P. Ember has been promoted to Principal. Mike and Ravi co-lead the execution of the firm’s National Security investment thesis in partnership with Nio Advisors, a McNally Capital industry partner. Mike joined the firm in 2017 and has helped lead diligence processes for McNally’s investments in Orbis, Xcelerate Solutions, FedData, and Altamira Technologies and their associated add-on acquisitions and refinancings. In addition, he led diligence, negotiations, and structuring for Xcelerate Solutions, a McNally Capital Fund II platform investment, and its recent merger with VMD Corp. Mike co-led the sale of ITS Logistics alongside Ward McNally. He currently leads the firm’s associate recruitment committee.
Sahil Mathur has been promoted to Vice President. He joined McNally Capital in 2020 and has successfully contributed to multiple investments, including Orbis, Xcelerate Solutions, and FedData, as well as the recent sales of AMI and Re-Sourcing. Sahil leads the day-to-day execution of the firm’s investment thesis within the Industrial Technology & Automation industry.
Zach Wood has been promoted to Vice President. He joined the firm in 2020 and focuses on evaluating and executing direct private equity investments and supporting portfolio companies. Zach led the diligence process for McNally’s investment in Smith & Oby and has contributed to various investments, including Orbis and Dedicated Computing, as well as the sale of ITS Logistics.
Luther Rice has been promoted to Senior Associate. He joined McNally Capital in 2022 and helped lead the diligence processes for McNally’s investment in Xcelerate, and its subsequent merger with VMD Corp. Luther has also contributed to the firm’s investment in Orbis.
Chad Mateja has been promoted to Accounting Manager. He joined McNally Capital in 2021 and is responsible for the finance functions of the firm’s funds and investment vehicles, including accounting, tax, and cash management.
14 Feb 24. SOSi today announced the promotion of Jim Edwards to Chief Growth Officer. In his new role, Edwards will continue to expand SOSi’s market share across defense, intelligence, and federal civilian agencies by strengthening SOSi’s position in the delivery of advanced technology-driven solutions.. Throughout Edwards’ tenure, he has led SOSi’s acquisition of new contracts and achieved a 100% win rate on contract renewals and recompetes. By building relationships and partnerships across the U.S. government and ensuring that every aspect of SOSi business aligns with customer needs and expectations, Edwards has positioned SOSi for continued growth. (Source: PR Newswire)
12 Feb 24. Starlab Space LLC (Starlab Space), the transatlantic joint venture between Voyager Space and Airbus, today announced its leadership team, comprising a group of highly accomplished professionals poised to drive the company forward. Retired NASA astronaut and Voyager executive, Tim Kopra has been appointed as Starlab’s new CEO. A seasoned leader, Kopra will leverage his extensive expertise in space exploration and experience overseeing the Starlab program at Nanoracks (part of Voyager’s Exploration Segment) to lead the joint venture as it continues down the development path. Kopra will also serve on the Starlab Board of Directors. Mohit Sharma, currently Head of Mergers and Acquisitions Finance at Airbus Defence and Space, joins Starlab as CFO. After 15 years at Airbus, Sharma will oversee all financial and fundraising aspects of Starlab, expanding and developing the joint venture’s financial strategy to foster the company’s continued growth. Voyager Space’s CTO Marshall Smith, Former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, Airbus U.S. Space and Defense’s SVP and Head of Space Systems Debra Facktor and CFO Mohamed Denden also join Starlab as esteemed members of the Board. In addition, Dr. Marc Steckling, SVP and Head of Earth Observation, Science and Exploration at Airbus Defence and Space, will be a permanent guest in the Starlab Board. (Source: PR Newswire)
REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS
15 Feb 24. Boeing, the US-based aerospace company, has appointed Nikhil Joshi as the managing director of Boeing Defence India (BDI) as part of its efforts to strengthen operations and accelerate growth in India’s defence sector. Joshi, based in New Delhi, will oversee current and future programmes aimed at enhancing the mission readiness and modernization of India’s defence forces. (Source: Google/https://www.indiatvnews.com/)
14 Feb 24. MDA Ltd. (TSX: MDA), a trusted space mission partner to the rapidly expanding global space industry, announced the appointment of Yung Wu to MDA’s Board of Directors, effective February 14, 2024. Serving as an independent director, Mr. Wu’s appointment increases the size of the Board to nine directors, in accordance with MDA’s by-laws. Until recently, Mr. Wu was the CEO of the MaRS Discovery District, one of the world’s largest innovation hubs with over 1,200 companies in various sectors and at all stages of growth and scale. Prior to MaRS, Mr. Wu had a lengthy career as a serial entrepreneur and private equity investor, building, backing and scaling companies in enterprise software, mobile analytics, big data, media and entertainment, technology services, and biotech. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)