What's Happening?
ADS, the UK trade association for the aerospace, defence, security, and space sectors, has appointed Joseph Reffitt as the new Director for Northern Ireland. Reffitt, who has held senior positions in the industry,
including at HVM Catapult, succeeds Leslie Orr, who served in the role for 15 years. In his new position, Reffitt will collaborate with Jon Gray, ADS Chief of Staff and Managing Director of Regions, and Alan Henning, Chair of the ADS Northern Ireland Council, to enhance regional engagement and support for over 140 member companies in Northern Ireland. Kevin Craven, CEO of ADS Group, expressed confidence in Reffitt's leadership, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the Belfast-based team to support industry growth.
Why It's Important?
The appointment of Joseph Reffitt as Director for ADS Northern Ireland is significant for the region's aerospace, defence, security, and space sectors, which collectively contribute over £2.2 billion to the local economy. Reffitt's leadership is expected to drive growth and unlock new opportunities for these industries, which are crucial for Northern Ireland's economic development. Strengthening regional engagement and support for member companies can lead to increased innovation, job creation, and competitiveness in the global market. This move aligns with ADS's strategic goals to bolster the industry's presence and capabilities in Northern Ireland.
What's Next?
Joseph Reffitt's immediate focus will likely be on building a robust team in Belfast and enhancing collaboration with key stakeholders to identify and capitalize on growth opportunities. The ADS Northern Ireland Council, under Alan Henning's chairmanship, will play a pivotal role in guiding strategic initiatives. The industry can expect increased advocacy and support from ADS, potentially leading to new partnerships and investments. Monitoring the impact of Reffitt's leadership on regional industry performance will be crucial in assessing the success of this appointment.
