Richard Powell Obe Ma Msc Email & Phone Number

United Kingdom

Responsible for strategic engagement and enabling the business planning across the QinetiQ group for the maritime domain. Particularly focussed on the UK, US, Canada and Australia.

United Kingdom

Responsible for enabling the members of the Maritime Defence and Security Group to bring their views to bear. This is achieved directly with ministers and also though the board of the Society of Maritime Industries on which I sit. In addition, I am closely involved in delivering the National Shipbuilding Strategy and also represent the maritime industry to government in AUKUS. I was also a member of the Maritime Enterprise Working Group advising government on the national Shipbuilding Strategy before it evolved into the Shipbuilding Enterprise for Growth.

Portsmouth, England, United Kingdom

Richard Powell joined the Royal Navy in 1980 and was appointed to the Hong Kong Squadron as the Navigator of the patrol boat HMS Wolverton. On his return to the United Kingdom in 1985, he qualified and served as as a Lynx helicopter pilot. Following training as a Principle Warfare Officer in 1993, he served in the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal and as the Operations Officer of the Type 23 frigate HMS Iron Duke. As the Executive Officer of the frigate HMS Norfolk, he conducted Peace Support Operations in Sierra Leone and participated in the Kosovo campaign. Following promotion to Commander in 2000, he assumed Command of the Type 42 Destroyer HMS York. During a most challenging appointment, he deployed twice to the Middle East as part of Operation Oracle (Afghanistan) and for Operation Telic (Iraq). He then served in the Ministry of Defence where he was involved in the development of defence policy and international arms control measures. As a Captain, he was responsible for the introduction into service and preparation for operations of all the Royal Navy’s frigates, destroyers and patrol boats. In 2009, took Command of the brand new Type 45 Destroyer HMS Dauntless and oversaw her acceptance into operational service with the Royal Navy, for which he was awarded an OBE. In 2011, he attended The Royal College of Defence Studies where he completed a course in international security and strategy. He subsequently completed an MA in strategy and security in the Indo-Pacific region at the Australian Centre for Defence and Security Studies in Canberra. He assumed the role of the UK Defence and Naval advisor to Australia in Feb 2014.

Canberra, Australia

Represented the UK government in Australia and PNG on defence and security matters, including policy, operations, defence procurement, and diplomatic issues. Significantly deepened the defence relationship between the UK and Australia. Responsible for initiating the successful sale of the Type 26 frigate to Australia against significant political and business opposition.

Studied strategy and international security

Master Of Arts (M.A.), Defence Studies

Master Of Arts (Ma), Strategic Studies

Master Of Science (Ms), Technology (Maritime Operations), Commendation

Education record

Msc, Maritime Technology