ADS Group appoints John Howie MBE as Chief Executive Officer

London (22 October 2026) – ADS Group has appointed John Howie MBE as Chief Executive Officer to replace Kevin Craven who will step down next year.

John will join ADS as CEO designate on 5 January 2027 and will work alongside current CEO Kevin during a transition period before formally taking up the role on 1 April 2027.

John joins ADS from SAAB Group, having previously worked at Babcock International Group, where he was Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and a member of the Group Executive Committee. He brings more than 35 years’ experience across the aerospace, defence, engineering and industrial sectors, having previously held senior leadership positions at both Babcock and BAE Systems.

Kevin will step down having led ADS through a period of significant growth and transformation. Since becoming Chief Executive in 2021, membership has grown from around 1,100 companies to more than 2,000, while ADS has expanded its services, events portfolio, and international presence.

David Lockwood, President of ADS Group, said:

“We are delighted to appoint John as the next Chief Executive of ADS. He brings deep experience from across our sectors and a strong track record of leadership, strategic delivery and engagement with government and industry.

“John joins ADS at a pivotal time for the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors. The Board is confident he will build on ADS’s strong foundations and continue to strengthen our influence, support our members and champion the industries we represent.

“Kevin leaves ADS in an exceptionally strong position. On behalf of the Board, our members and the wider ADS community, I would like to thank him for his outstanding leadership, integrity and commitment over the past six years. His contribution to ADS and to the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors has been immense, and he leaves behind a lasting legacy for his successor to build upon.”

John Howie MBE, newly appointed CEO of ADS Group, said:

“I am honoured to be joining ADS and excited by the opportunity to lead an organisation that plays such an important role in supporting strategically vital sectors for the UK.

“ADS has built a strong reputation as an influential voice for industry and a valuable partner to its members. I look forward to working with colleagues, members and stakeholders to build on that success in the years ahead.”

Kevin Craven, CEO of ADS Group, said:

“It has been a tremendous privilege to lead ADS and represent industries that make such an important contribution to the UK’s security, prosperity and international standing.

“I am incredibly proud of everything that ADS colleagues and our members have achieved together over the past six years. John is an outstanding appointment and I look forward to working closely with him to ensure a smooth transition.”

During his tenure, ADS has played a leading role in strengthening engagement between government and industry as defence and national resilience have risen the political agenda. ADS also became the first UK trade association to organise trade missions supporting Ukraine following Russia’s illegal invasion and has subsequently expanded that work in partnership with allied nations.

Kevin has also been a prominent advocate for long-term Aerospace Technology Institute funding, helping secure investment to maintain the UK’s position at the forefront of next-generation aerospace technologies.