Steve Wadey OBE re-appointed as Defence Growth Partnership Industry Co-Chair

Posted on 7 April, 2022 by Joscelyn Turner

Steve Wadey OBE, Group Chief Executive of QinetiQ Group plc, has been re-appointed as Industry Co-Chair of the Defence Growth Partnership (DGP).

Steve previously served as Industry Co-Chair between 2012 and 2016 and will work alongside Government Co-Chairs, Jeremy Quin MP, Minister for Defence Procurement and Lord Gerry Grimstone, Minister for Investment jointly at the Department for International Trade and the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, to drive forward the DGP’s export led growth ambitions.

Commenting on his appointment, Steve Wadey said:

“It is a privilege to return as Industry Co-Chair and I would like to thank my predecessor Andrew Cowdery for his highly capable leadership.

“In the last year, the DGP has had many successes, including the launch of the Joint Economic Data Hub’s (JEDHub) first Annual Economic Report and the Ministry of Defence securing a further three years funding for the UK Defence Solutions Centre (UKDSC), providing data driven intelligence and informed economic analysis.

“Working together across Government departments and industry has never been more crucial in helping the UK succeed internationally, whilst driving the important economic contribution of the defence sector to the UK.

“The Defence Growth Partnership makes a real difference to our competitiveness, capabilities and skills required to support the UK defence sector to deliver security, growth and prosperity for our nation.”

Defence Procurement Minister, Jeremy Quin said:

“The Defence Growth Partnership and their supply chains continue to support important initiatives, ensuring the UK defence sector is competitive, sustainable and driving prosperity.

“I welcome Steve Wadey back to the role and am looking forward to working closely with him on delivering these important objectives.”

ADS Chief Executive Kevin Craven said:

“Steve Wadey will bring strong leadership and extensive experience of the defence sector to the role of Industry Co-Chair of the Defence Growth Partnership, and I look forward to working with him.

“The Defence sector’s activity in the UK is significant and supports tens of thousands of high value jobs that are essential to the prosperity of communities in all parts of the UK.

“Collaboration through the Defence Growth Partnership is important for the UK’s agile, innovative and successful Defence sector to continue to prosper and support the development of Global Britain.”