Defence giant Babcock announces leadership reshuffle ahead of CEO’s departure

The company said the changes ‘reflect the strength and depth’ of the senior team

Defence giant Babcock has announced a series of changes to its leadership team ahead of the departure of its current chief executive. The company has confirmed that Harry Holt is now working as deputy CEO as he prepares to succeed boss David Lockwood who is retiring at the end of 2026.

Former Army officer Mr Holt has been part of the senior management team at Babcock since November 2023. Before joining the business he spent seven years on the board of Rolls Royce in a number of senior roles, including as president of its nuclear division and latterly as chief people officer, leading a group-wide transformation and restructuring.

“I am deeply honoured to have the opportunity to lead Babcock through its next chapter,” Mr Holt said previously. “I would like to pay tribute to David’s inspirational leadership that has put Babcock on an excellent footing from which we can continue to grow and am looking forward to working with him through the transition period.”

Mr Lockwood added: “It has been my privilege to lead Babcock, through a period that has seen the COVID pandemic, international geopolitical unrest and an increased focus on global security. Babcock is a unique company, it has a team of great people, with a range of important skills, alongside some of the most critical specialist infrastructure needed today.”

Separately, Neal Misell, who previously headed up the company’s mission systems business, is now chief executive of Babcock’s nuclear division. Mr Misell has led multiple parts of the Babcock Group, in the UK and internationally.

Louise Atkinson, who was most recently chief people officer, has taken up the role of chief executive of mission systems. She has spent more than 13 years in senior leadership roles in Babcock’s procurement and supply chain, training and defence equipment in the group’s land business.

With Ms Atkinson moving into her new role, people director Jen McElhinney has become interim chief people officer.

“These changes to our executive committee reflect the strength and depth of our senior team and our focus on continuing to build a sustainable, successful future,” Babcock said in a statement.

The news comes just days after Babcock announced it would be opening a huge new base in Plymouth city centre which will house some 2,000 staff. The ‘Capability Centre’ will be in addition to the city’s Dockyard.

The engineering business said last week the move would “significantly increase” footfall in the city centre, support local businesses and services, and boost Plymouth’s economy