Babcock appoints former Cobham boss David Lockwood as CEO

Aerospace and defence company Babcock International has appointed David Lockwood - the former chief executive officer of Cobham - as its new CEO.

Lockwood will succeed Archie Bethel, who announced earlier this year that he was planning to retire.

He will join the company and the board on 17 August as CEO designate and will become CEO on 14 September, at which point Bethel will step down from the board.

Prior to his time at defence company Cobham, Lockwood was CEO of technology group Laird from 2012 to 2016.

His career includes senior management roles at BT Global Services, BAE Systems and Thales Corporation.

Chair Ruth Cairnie said: "He brings wide-ranging knowledge of the defence and aviation markets, as well as a wealth of experience in both technology and innovation. His skills and industry expertise will help ensure the delivery of our operational performance and strategic objectives."