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Andy Mitchell

Andy Mitchell

Deputy Director Navy Capability Sponsor - Develop Directorate, Royal Navy

Andy Mitchell was appointed Deputy Director – Maritime Capability Sponsor in November 2020 and is responsible for ensuring that the Capability Management Plan prioritises resources to meet the Navy’s strategic priorities and outcomes. After completing his degree in Mechanical Engineering at Plymouth University in 1994, Andy joined Strachan & Henshaw as a graduate engineer, working on a series of projects in defence, nuclear and bulk handling industries. During this time, he became a Chartered Member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers

Andy progressed to running projects and programmes, which included the initial concept design for the Highly Mechanised Weapons Handling System fitted to the QEC Class. Programme Lead for the removal, refurbishment and upgrade of the weapon handling and launch systems for the four Canadian Victoria class submarines & the design and build of the Spanish S80 Class Submarine Weapon Handling & Launch System. Promoted to Strategy & Business Development Director with responsibility for devising and implementing strategy to meet five and ten year growth aspirations.

Highlights include partnering with Rafael to win the Ground Based Air Defence Battlespace Management C4I contract for the Falkland Islands. Leading of the Laser Direct Energy Weapon Capability Demonstrator Programme consortium bid primed by Babcock, including Raytheon, QinetiQ, Leonardo and BMT. Securing partnering agreement with Lockheed Martin to jointly sell Jackal and Coyote armoured vehicles internationally. Leading detailed negotiations with Norwegian Army on potential upgrade of their M113 Tracked Vehicles. Securing contract to design and deliver the MHPC USV Sweep Launch & Recovery System.

Andy became Head of Production – Delivery & Engineering, responsible for all Babcock’s Production facilities in Bristol and Leicester; in particular the repair and overhaul of safety critical systems for naval submarines and surface ships, including Dreadnought, Astute, S80 and Jangbogo III classes of submarines, QEC and Type 26. Most recently Andy was given the challenge of implementing a programme of new ways of working across Babcock’s Defence Systems Technology business unit. Responsible for the gap assessment of current and required capability and then the development of the vision, direction, planning and implementation of the new ways for working across the business unit. Andy was a founder & core member of the Babcock Ventilator team formed to answer the challenge for Ventilators due to the Covid 19 pandemic, after building 20 units for clinical trials government modelling demonstrated the ventilators were not required.

Andy served on the Babcock Women’s Network committee for 18 months, is a member of the Babcock’s Pride, Young Persons’ and Neuro Diversity networks. He plays touch rugby, swims & is a mountain biker to keep fit, with a keen interest in technology. His would still windsurf if his time wasn’t taken up with parenting (read providing a taxi service for, and coaching mini rugby with) his four children.

 

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