Radar 2012

Keynote speaker

Les Gregory, Director Product & Training Services, BAE Systems Maritime Services

Biography

Les has over 30 years' experience in defence industry, originally with the Plessey Company then with Siemens Defence and latterly with BAE SYSTEMS and AMS.

Building on a design engineering background, Les progressed through project and programme management of radar systems, finally as Programmes Director, overseeing the performance on a high number of programmes at various stages of development and production.

Further moves offered considerable experience in international sales and marketing.

As Business Development Executive for the Radar business, Les lead the campaign team which resulted in the award of the SAMPSON radar development and manufacture, a prestigious programme which marked the culmination of over 20 years of effort in advanced radar system design.

At the formation of the BAE SYSTEMS Combat and Radar Systems Business, Les took the post of Strategy Director, running the strategic planning process, major campaigns and taking a lead position of the integration of the CaRS business into AMS.

After a year as Strategy and Business Development Director of the AMS Radar Systems Division, Les took the post of Group Strategy and Business Development Director of the Euro1.5bn Anglo Italian Joint Venture.

The dissolution of this JV saw Les return to BAE Systems, becoming Strategy Director of the newly formed Insyte Business, from where the strategic push into the Security market, culminating in the acquisition of Detica, was orchestrated. This role has been augmented with that of Chief Technology Officer and Chief Information Officer.

As part of the transformation of Insyte, Les took on the role of Radar Business Director.

Les has a BSc degree in Electronic Engineering, a BA in General Sciences and a Masters in Business Administration.  He sits on the Defence and Security Council of the Intellect Trade Association, the BAE Systems Business Strategy and M&A Functional Council and various other bodies.

Les was appointed as Product & Training Services Director within BAE Systems Maritime Services in January 2012.

Les is married to Lyn and they have a young son, Sam.

Keynote presentation synopsis

An industrialist's perspective on radar R&T

Radar remains an important technology, with an increasing breadth, scale and demand for skills. Despite the challenges, collaborative research has shown benefits and, in times of austerity, a joint approach to research provides best value to industry.