London & New York: Vertical Aerospace, a leading global aerospace and technology company pioneering electric aviation, on Tuesday announced the appointment of Lord Andrew Parker to its Board of Directors, effective June 2, 2025. This strategic move strengthens Vertical’s leadership in defence, national security, and government affairs as the company accelerates its hybrid-electric aircraft programs and expands its government partnerships.
Lord Andrew Parker brings unparalleled experience in national security and intelligence, having served as Director General of MI5, the UK’s national security agency, from 2013 to 2020. During his tenure, he played a key role in steering the agency through a period of technology-driven transformation and served on influential bodies including the National Security Council. His leadership was marked by a focus on integrating cutting-edge technologies to enhance national security capabilities.
In 2021, Lord Parker was appointed Lord Chamberlain by Queen Elizabeth II, becoming the most senior official in the Royal Household. In this role, he oversaw historic national events, including royal ceremonies and state occasions. A knight since 2019, Lord Parker also entered the House of Lords in 2021, further cementing his stature within the UK’s public service and governance landscape.
Beyond public service, Lord Parker has served as a Non-Executive Director at Babcock International Group, a global defence, aerospace, and security firm, since 2020, bringing valuable corporate governance experience to his new role at Vertical Aerospace.
Lord Parker’s appointment comes on the heels of Vertical Aerospace’s recent announcement of its hybrid-electric program, designed to unlock new mission-critical applications across defence, logistics, and emergency services. This initiative complements the company’s flagship VX4, a four-passenger electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft with zero operating emissions.
The UK government’s recent commitment of over £20 million to accelerate drone and eVTOL technologies, including eco-friendly air taxis and emergency response applications, underscores the growing importance of sustainable aviation innovation. This funding builds on more than £300 million invested through the Future Flight Challenge and aims to support real-world operations and regulatory frameworks by 2028.
Lord Andrew Parker expressed enthusiasm about joining Vertical Aerospace, stating, “I’m delighted to be joining Vertical at a time when the UK is positioning itself at the cutting edge of aerospace innovation. Vertical’s commitment to pioneering next-generation aircraft, powered by breakthrough electric and hybrid technologies, offers real potential to transform both civil and defence operations. I look forward to supporting the team as they unlock the full value of these innovations — from sustainable passenger transport to critical government and military missions.”
Domhnal Slattery, Chairman of Vertical Aerospace, welcomed Lord Parker’s appointment, noting, “His deep expertise in navigating complex regulatory, operational, and governmental frameworks is exactly what we need as we move toward real-world deployment of our aircraft. His appointment aligns perfectly with our strategy to scale both civil and defence applications. As we expand our hybrid-electric programme and deepen our engagement with government and institutional partners, his leadership will be invaluable.”
