Rolls-Royce Appoints COO

Rolls-Royce has appointed Simon Kirby as Chief Operating Officer.

Simon is currently Chief Executive of HS2, the company responsible for planning and delivery of the UK’s new high speed rail network, which is Europe’s largest infrastructure project.

He joined HS2 in May 2014 having previously been on the Board of Network Rail as Managing Director of their Infrastructure Projects business, responsible for the delivery of all enhancement and renewal programmes.

Prior to that, Simon held various positions in the Defence industry within VSEL, GEC Marconi and BAE Systems.

“I am delighted that Simon Kirby will be joining Rolls-Royce. His exceptional track record in delivering complex major programmes is highly relevant to Rolls-Royce and will strengthen management capability ahead of a period of significant expansion,” said Rolls-Royce Chief Executive, Warren East. “We are doubling our production of large civil aircraft engines and substantially growing our nuclear division while at the same time driving a transformation programme that will make us a more resilient and cash generative business. Achieving operational excellence across the Group is essential and Simon has a critical role to play. I am looking forward to working closely with him.”

In addition to his duties on HS2, Simon is a director of the Major Projects Association and the National Skills Academy for Railway Engineering.

He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Civil Engineers (FICE), Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (FRICS) and the Association of Project Management (APM).

Simon will join Rolls-Royce in the coming months, reporting to Warren East.

Flash back: Exclusive HD video interview about the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB Engine which powers the elegant, and supremely quiet Airbus A350-900 XWB.

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