Cohort appoints group strategy director

Defence technology business Cohort Group, based in Reading, has appointed Richard Mills as group strategy director to lead its strategic development and acquisition activity.

Richard joins after 20 years in defence and aerospace strategy roles at Boeing, including spells as strategy director for the UK and Ireland and strategy director for Europe.

During his time with Boeing, he helped develop and implement its European strategy, working with teams across Europe and the US to support growth and productivity.

His experience also includes securing financing for Boeing’s first European manufacturing facility in Sheffield and delivering M&A deals.

In his new role, Richard will lead Cohort’s group strategy and oversee acquisition activity, while working with the senior leadership teams of its subsidiaries on their growth plans.

He will also represent Cohort with industry bodies and engage with policymakers and regulators on matters affecting the business and wider defence sector.

Richard said: “Increasing global defence spending, particularly in Europe, is creating significant opportunities for defence businesses with specialist capabilities and expertise. 

“Cohort has successfully built a strong international group of agile defence businesses to become a real UK defence success story and has a clear opportunity for further growth.

“I’m looking forward to building on Cohort’s strong international position through targeted acquisitions of businesses that have technologies, expertise and market positioning that complement the Group’s existing capabilities.”

Richard succeeds former head of group strategy Jonathan Clegg, who retired in April.

Andy Thomis, chief executive at Cohort Group, added: “Richard brings extensive experience of developing and delivering growth strategies, and successful M&A transactions to the group. 

“His appointment further strengthens our expanding executive management team as we explore opportunities for continued international growth.” 

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