Vertical Aerospace appoints former MI5 Director General Lord Andrew Parker to Board

Vertical Aerospace, a global aerospace and technology company that is pioneering electric aviation, has announced the appointment of Lord Andrew Parker to its Board of Directors, strengthening the company’s leadership in defence, national security, and government affairs. The appointment is effective as of 2nd June 2025.

Lord Parker brings deep experience in national security and intelligence from his distinguished career serving the UK government, most notably as the former Director General of MI5, the UK Government’s national security agency, from 2013-2020, where he also served on a range of committees, including the National Security Council. As Director General, Lord Parker focused on new technology-centred change.

Lord Andrew Parker joins Vertical's Board of Directors, strengthening the company’s leadership in defence, national security, and government affairs.

In 2021, Lord Parker was appointed Lord Chamberlain by Queen Elizabeth II, becoming the most senior official in the Royal Household and overseeing historic national events, including royal ceremonies and state occasions. He was knighted in 2019 and entered the House of Lords in 2021.

Outside of his public sector work, Lord Parker has served as a Non-Executive Director at Babcock International Group, an international defence, aerospace and security company, since 2020.

The appointment of Lord Parker follows Vertical’s recent announcement of its hybrid-electric programme, designed to unlock new applications in mission critical sectors such as defence and logistics, as well as recent hires to the Board, who bring deep capital markets expertise.

Last month, the UK government committed over £20 million to accelerate drone and eVTOL technologies - including eco-friendly air taxis and emergency service applications - building on a total investment of over £300 million to date through the Future Flight Challenge. This latest funding aims to support real-world operations and provide a clear regulatory pathway by 2028.

Lord Andrew Parker, Board Director, said: “I’m delighted to be joining Vertical at a time when the UK is positioning itself at the cutting edge of aerospace innovation. Vertical’s commitment to pioneering next-generation aircraft, powered by breakthrough electric and hybrid technologies, offers real potential to transform both civil and defence operations. I look forward to supporting the team as they unlock the full value of these innovations - from sustainable passenger transport to critical government and military missions.”

Domhnal Slattery, Chairman at Vertical Aerospace, said: "Lord Parker’s deep expertise in navigating complex regulatory, operational, and governmental frameworks is exactly what we need as we move toward real-world deployment of our aircraft. His appointment is highly aligned with our strategy to scale both civil and defence applications, and he brings a perspective that perfectly complements the diverse capabilities already represented on our Board. As we expand our hybrid-electric programme and deepen our engagement with government and institutional partners, his leadership will be invaluable.”

BlueSky Business Aviation News | 5th June 2025 | Issue #798

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