NATS appoints new Managing Director Operations

Richard Deakin, Chief Executive Officer of NATS, the UK’s leading provider of air traffic services, has today announced a key appointment within the executive team of the company.

Martin Rolfe (39) will take up the role of Managing Director Operations on March 19 with responsibility for delivering NATS’ en route business; a contract worth £2.2 billion with its customers and UK regulator and which runs until the end of 2014.

Richard Deakin said: “I am delighted to welcome Martin to NATS. This is a key appointment and Martin brings a strong background in air traffic management as well as a wealth of valuable experience in leading complex safety critical operations to the company.

“Martin will also be responsible for helping NATS develop and deliver services and products that will help grow our business into a truly global player.”
Martin added: “I am delighted to be joining NATS at this pivotal time for the aviation industry. NATS is the recognised leader in its field and to be part of the team as we address the challenges of global harmonisation will be very exciting.”

Biography

Martin joins NATS from Lockheed Martin UK where he was Managing Director of the UK Civil business, responsible for a diverse portfolio of programmes and operations across sectors including Transportation, Information, Communication and Technology, and Mission Systems.

Martin has been working in the ATM domain for 18 years leading large multinational teams across Europe, the US, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and the Far East, with customers including air navigation service providers, central government departments and military organisations.

An aerospace engineer by background, Martin has formerly worked for companies including LogicaCMG and the European Space Agency in the Netherlands and has served on the Board of Directors of Intellect UK.