QinetiQ Group has appointed Martin Cooper as the group’s chief financial officer to succeed Carol Borg, who announced her departure from the role with the board’s agreement.
Borg will continue to support the interim arrangements as needed until the end of July.
“I would like to thank Carol for all her service and contributions over the last few years and wish her well for the future,” said Group CEO Steve Wadey.
Cooper is also expected to join the QinetiQ Board no later than October. He’s an accountant with over 25 years of experience leading multidisciplinary teams in senior finance roles. Cooper joins QinetiQ from BAE Systems, where he held several positions including U.K. & rest of world financial controller, divisional finance director and most recently investor relations director.
In the interim before Cooper joins QinetiQ, Heather Cashin, the Group financial controller, will serve as interim Group CFO. David Smith, former Group CFO of QinetiQ, will provide advice and support services to Cashin and the board during this time, the company said.
QinetiQ also appointed Iain Stevenson to the newly created role of chief operating officer, and Will Blamey as chief executive U.K. Defence. Both will report to Wadey and join QinetiQ’s leadership team.
Stevenson is currently deputy chief executive of AWE, the U.K. nuclear science and technology company, and will join QinetiQ in July. Blamey is promoted to his new role, “having been instrumental in the successful development and delivery of major programmes at QinetiQ, such as the Long-Term Partnering Agreement,” the company said. Blamey joined QinetiQ in June 2018 and was previously managing director of Maritime & Land.
“The Board and I are delighted we have secured the talents of both Martin and Iain and welcome them to the QinetiQ team,” Wadey said. “Martin brings valuable global experience, coupled with deep financial and operational expertise. His detailed understanding of our sector and the markets we operate in will be instrumental in helping the Group perform and grow. As our new Chief Operating Officer, Iain’s demonstrable track record of delivery in programme management and operational performance will strengthen the strategic and operational capabilities of the Group.”
“Together with Will’s promotion, these appointments add strength and depth to our leadership team. They will further enhance our capability to execute our plan for long-term growth and deliver compelling shareholder value,” Wadey added.