Deborah Higgins appointed as Security & Resilience Director at ADS

• Deborah Higgins joins the ADS leadership team as the Director of Security & Resilience
• This appointment strengthens ADS’ mission to grow the UK’s security and resilience sector
• Over 1,100 ADS members are active across the UK’s security and resilience sector

London (6 May 2026) – ADS, the UK trade association for the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors, has today announced the appointment of Deborah Higgins as its new Director of Security & Resilience.

With over 20 years’ experience across both the public and private sectors, including in law enforcement and international resilience roles, Deborah is the latest individual to join the ADS senior leadership team, bringing a wealth of expertise to help the trade association champion the UK’s security and resilience sector.

Prior to taking up the role at ADS, Deborah was Head of Resilience at Serco, where she led complex, multi stakeholder environments at both strategic and operational levels.

In her new role at ADS, Deborah will lead the trade association’s security and resilience sector activities, providing strategic direction across member engagement, policy, business development and innovation. She will play a key role in strengthening ADS’ engagement with government and industry partners, including leading its contribution to the Home Office’s Security & Policing event and supporting the work of the Security Sector Council.

Deborah will also act as principal adviser and Secretary to the UK’s Security and Resilience Industry Suppliers Community (RISC), ensuring strong industry alignment with the UK Government’s national security priorities.

Kevin Craven, CEO of ADS Group, said:

“I am delighted to welcome Deborah as our new Director of Security & Resilience at ADS. At a time when the global security environment is becoming increasingly fragile, such roles carry great weight, and Deborah’s leadership and depth of experience will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen the support we provide to our sector and our members.

“With Deborah in this role, I am confident that an industry which already supports 150,000 jobs and contributes £15 billion to the UK economy will continue to grow and succeed right across the UK.”

Deborah Higgins, newly appointed ADS Director of Security & Resilience, said:

“I am honoured to take on the role of Director of Security & Resilience at ADS, working closely with our membership to champion a highly innovative and fast growing sector.

“The UK’s security and resilience sector is a hub of innovation, helping to keep our country secure, our streets safe and our supply chains resilient. I look forward to working with ADS members, policymakers and industry partners to strengthen the sector’s capabilities, drive investment and reinforce the UK’s industrial leadership.”

ADS continues to expand its support for the 1,100 member companies active in the UK’s security and resilience industry, ensuring the sector is well positioned for future growth and innovation.