BAE Systems announced that Ben Bridge has succeeded Simon Keith as Regional Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa.

Based in the company’s regional hub in Abu Dhabi, Ben now has overall responsibility for BAE Systems’ activities throughout the Gulf region and Africa where he will play an important role in developing BAE Systems’ strategic vision for the region and continue to strengthen relationships with BAE Systems’ customers and partners in the region, especially in the UAE and Oman, a key part of his previous role as Vice President Middle East.  

Prior to rejoining the UAE team two years ago, he spent two years as the International Business Development Director at Detica, BAE Systems’ security business, and before that was Regional Vice President for BAE Systems in Africa.

A fluent Arabic speaker, Ben holds strong Middle East experience with BAE Systems as he was based in the region between 2001 and 2007 as Regional Vice President. Prior to joining BAE Systems in 1998, Ben qualified as a pilot and as an Arabic linguist in the Royal Navy and moved on to serve the British Embassies in Kuwait and Cairo as an Assistant Defence Attaché.

Commenting on his new role, Ben Bridge said: “The Middle East and Africa is an exciting region, which offers lots of opportunities for us to develop strong and enduring partnerships, both as BAE Systems and working closely with the UK Government.  Working with colleagues from our Land & Armaments, Military Air and Security businesses, who are also based out of our regional hub in Abu Dhabi, I believe we have a great team with the knowledge and drive to support our customers in the MENA region in achieving their future visions.”