NATS, a UK-based provider of air traffic services, has announced Warren East’s appointment to the non-executive Chair position on the board. Commencing on September 1st, he will be replacing Dr. Paul Golby, who held the position for the previous ten years.
Between 2015 and 2022, Mr East led Rolls-Royce as CEO. Before, he worked for nearly 20 years as the CEO of ARM Holdings, a British firm that designs, manufactures, and distributes microprocessors. He held this position for 12 years. He currently serves as a strategic advisor to Avina Clean Hydrogen in addition to serving as a non-executive director for Tokamak Energy, C-Capture, and ASML Holding. He previously worked with Rolls-Royce, Micron, BT Group, Dyson, and De La Rue as a non-executive director.
“Aviation is vital to our society and economy, and the essential infrastructure which NATS provides underpins that important function. The next decade or so brings huge challenges alongside multiple possibilities as the sector faces the necessity of the energy transition together with the opportunities presented by advancing technology. I’m delighted to be joining NATS to work with the board and the NATS team as we navigate through this exciting and crucial period.”
Warren East.
“We very much look forward to working with Warren. His knowledge and insight into the aviation sector, the role of critical UK infrastructure and the experience he has of technology-led transformation will be enormously valuable.”
Martin Rolfe, Chief Executive Officer.
In October 2014, Dr. Golby became a member of the NATS board and was appointed Chair. During his leadership, the company has modernised its technology and improved the layout and functioning of UK airspace, setting the groundwork for much-needed reductions in aviation-related carbon emissions. Notably, he contributed to the continuous provision of air traffic services throughout COVID-19 and the subsequent restoration of financial stability in the years that followed.
“It has been a privilege to serve as Chair through some of the most difficult times that NATS and the aviation sector as a whole have been through. I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone across the company – it is through their tireless efforts that the UK has one of the very best air traffic services in the world.”
Dr. Paul Golby.
“Paul brought a blend of challenge and stability that the entire company has appreciated enormously. His leadership of the board and strategic guidance has helped us tackle the extraordinary challenges of the pandemic and subsequent rebuilding of the sector. We have a lot to thank him for and wish him well in the future.”
Martin Rolfe.
Image source: NATS
