Paul Livingston appointed Chief Executive of Lockheed Martin UK

Posted on 1 February, 2021 by Advance 

Lockheed Martin has today announced the appointment of Paul Livingston as new chief executive who will lead its UK business from April this year.

Image courtesy Lockheed Martin UK


Paul Livingston (above), currently vice president and group managing director of the company’s UK Rotary and Mission Systems business, will assume leadership of Lockheed Martin UK, a key strategic partner for the UK’s national defence and its supply chain, on 1st April.

This follows the decision by Peter Ruddock CB CBE to retire after five years in post. Peter, who has been with Lockheed Martin since 2011, will continue to support the company’s UK business activities to ensure a smooth transition until his retirement at the beginning of August.

On his appointment Paul Livingston said: “During his time as chief executive Peter Ruddock has successfully underpinned Lockheed Martin’s position as a trusted partner not only for the UK’s defence and security, but for the national aerospace supply chain and the UK economy too. As the business enters the next phase of its development I’m excited by the opportunities ahead as we develop our presence in new areas such as UK space, directed energy, cyber security and 5G technologies that will support 21st century defence and security operations. 

Paul Livingston began his career as an engineering apprentice working in civil and military simulation and has since spent more than 30 years in the aerospace sector.

Since joining Lockheed Martin, Paul has held a number of roles across the global corporation and established a proven record for delivery. As a director in the company’s aeronautics business he was responsible for liaising with the UK MOD for both F-35 and     C-130J programmes. He also led the business capture activity for Ascent Flight Training, Lockheed Martin’s joint venture with Babcock, which provides the UK Military Flying Training System for all military aircrew.

In 2012, Paul was appointed chief operating officer of Lockheed Martin Commercial Flight Training and following that role, became managing director for Ascent Flight Training. He became vice president and managing director for Lockheed Martin UK – Integrated Systems in January 2017.

Headquartered in London, Lockheed Martin UK has operated in country for nearly 80 years. From postal sorting technology to helping build the UK’s first commercial spaceport, its  innovations and partnerships help solve some of the UK’s most complex challenges, contributing to national defence, security and prosperity.

The F-35 programme alone, the world’s biggest combat aircraft programme which Lockheed Martin is leading, will generate more than £30 billion pounds for the UK economy and sustain more than 20,000 British jobs between now and 2038. Around 15% of every F-35 produced for customers around the world is made by companies based in the UK.