The Chief Executive Officer undertakes the day-to-day management of NATS with support from the executive team, who are responsible for the management of business within their areas of accountability in the two parts of the business, NATS En-route Ltd (NERL) and NATS Services Ltd (NSL). The focus of work at this level is on strategy development and performance management.
Chief Executive Officer, NATS: Richard Deakin
Richard Deakin
Richard was appointed Chief Executive Officer of NATS on April 1, 2010. Previously, he was Senior Vice President of the Air Systems Division for Thales and a member of the company’s Executive Committee. Based in Paris, his division recorded a turnover of €1.8bn and employed 7,000 staff across the world. Richard’s career started more than 25 years ago as an engineering apprentice at BAE Systems, where he spent 17 years in a number of roles, latterly as Vice-President Commercial Aerospace, based at Farnborough.
Moving to TRW Aeronautical Systems as European Operations Director, Richard ran nine factories in the UK, France and Germany producing high precision aerospace systems. Before joining Thales, Richard spent several years as Group Director Programmes with GKN Aerospace Services.
A Chartered Engineer, Richard holds a first-class honours degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Kingston University and an MBA from Cranfield School of Management. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Engineering from Kingston University in January 2006.
General Counsel and Company Secretary: Richard Churchill-Coleman
Richard Churchill-Coleman
Richard started his career as an aeronautical engineer before qualifying as a solicitor and as a Chartered Secretary. His interest in all things aviation led him to various legal positions with international airlines and an expert knowledge of aviation law.
Before joining NATS, he was Group Legal Counsel for the TUI UK group of companies.
Finance Director: Nigel Fotherby
Nigel Fotherby
Nigel joined NATS in October 1999 as Finance Director.
He previously worked for Lex Service plc as Finance Director of its retail group and then for BT Cellnet, where he was Deputy Finance Director. Nigel began his career with Coopers & Lybrand where he qualified as a Chartered Accountant.
Safety Director: David Harrison
David Harrison
Dr David Harrison brings more than 20 years of experience of working at NATS to the role of Group Director of Safety. Reporting to the CEO, he is responsible for championing activities which support front-line safety benefits and performance. Prior to his appointment, he was General Manager of the Manchester Area Control Centre.
He has also been in charge of the Chief Scientist’s Division, incorporating Operational Analysis, Research and Development and Human Factors. He also led the Architecture and Integrity function in Technology and Programmes.
Human Resources Director: Gerry Skelton
Gerry Skelton
Gerry joined NATS on 1 June 2011 from DB Schenker where he held the post of Human Resources Director.
Gerry has over 20 years experience as an HR practitioner across a range of industries within the UK and Internationally. The industry sectors he has experience in include: Rail Freight, Electronics, Textiles, Retailing, Passenger transport and the Gas, Oil and Petroleum sectors.
Communications Director: Simon Warr
Simon Warr
Simon joined NATS on 3 January 2012 from Abu Dhabi-based renewable energy company Masdar where he was Global Head of Communications.
Formerly, he was Director of Communications and Public Affairs at Jaguar Land Rover. During his three years at Jaguar Land Rover he led a global team of 80 and was responsible for all company internal and external communications, and reputation and issue management with all stakeholders.
A former journalist, Simon is also the Vice President of the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce.
Managing Director Operations: Ian Hall
Ian Hall
Ian was appointed Managing Director Operations in October 2011 having held the posts of Director, International Operations, Operations Strategy and Standards Director, Development and Investment Director, NERL and Operations Director, NERL.
He began his career as an air traffic controller in 1968, working for fourteen years at Belfast and Prestwick airports and at the Scottish Oceanic centre. He then moved into ATC management, first at Stansted and subsequently at Belfast (International) Airport.
Ian headed the air traffic flow management operation through the transition to the Central Flow Management Unit in Brussels and thereafter went on to produce the NATS Operational Strategy, now the basis for the capital investment plan.
Managing Director NATS Services: Paul Reid
Paul Reid
Paul was appointed Managing Director, NATS Services in October 2011.
He began his career in NATS aged 19, graduating from Hurn as top cadet. Paul validated at Glasgow on tower and approach, before becoming a Watch manager. Originally from Scotland he moved south to become a controller at Heathrow.
Paul moved into management positions and has been Manager Air Traffic Services, London City; General Manager Gatwick; General Manager Swanwick and Chief Operating Officer NSL.
Operations Leadership Team
- Managing Director: Ian Hall
- General Counsel and Company Secretary: Richard Churchill-Coleman
- Finance Director: Nigel Fotherby
- Safety Director: David Harrison
- Operations Director (Swanwick): Simon Hocquard
- Training and Simulation Director: Garry Jackson
- Operations Director (Prestwick): Pauline Lamb
- HR Director: Gerry Skelton
- Supply Chain and Business Services Director: Mike Stoller
- Head of NERL Communications: Deborah Seymour
- Engineering and Programmes Director: Mike Stoller
Services Leadership Team
- Managing Director: Paul Reid
- Finance Director: Guy Adams
- Engineering Director: Iain Harris
- Operations Director (Airports): Juliet Kennedy
- HR Director: Sarah Stacey
- Transport Solutions Director: John Swift
- Safety Director: Steve Williamson
- Business Development: Andy Head
- Communications: Simon Warr