Babcock puts John Howie in new corporate affairs role

Aerospace and defence company Babcock announced on Wednesday that executive committee member John Howie has been appointed to the newly-created role of chief corporate affairs officer, effective immediately.

The FTSE 250 company said the new role would help to further develop its relationships with key governmental customers in the UK and overseas.

It said Howie would also be responsible for corporate communications, group strategy, sustainability and international development, and for ensuring that the group was able to leverage the full range of capabilities in support of future customer requirements.

Babcock also said that Derek Jones, previously the corporate services director for marine, would take the role of chief executive of marine, supported by Howie.

“Strengthening our corporate affairs capability will allow us to ensure that we play a full role in supporting our government customers as they adapt to a range of global challenges,” said chief executive officer David Lockwood.

“It will also support our increased focus on international opportunities in what is a rapidly changing world.”

At 0908 GMT, shares in Babcock International Group were down 4.23% at 221.7p.