Thales has named Phil Siveter as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in the UK, effective 1 November 2024, following Alex Cresswell’s decision to step down from the position.

The company says Cresswell will continue to contribute to the Group, as he develops broader, non-executive leadership experience and will become Group Advisor as well as a member of the Thales UK Advisory Panel and will remain on the Board of Thales Australia.

He has worked with Thales since 1992 in many roles including leading the Land Defence Division then the Land and Air Systems Global Business for seven years until 2020.

Cresswell has served on the Group Excom since 2010 and contributed greatly to the international vitality of Thales.

Outstanding loyalty to Thales

“I would like to warmly thank Alex for his outstanding engagement and loyalty to Thales, its employees and customers.

“Over his 32 years of service in the Group, he has worked with me and my predecessors in key roles and contributed greatly to the international successes of Thales,” said Patrice Caine, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Siveter has been Chief Executive Officer for Nokia United Kingdom & Ireland since 2020, bringing with him 20 years of leadership experience in the technology industry.

Previously Siveter led Nokia’s United Kingdom and Ireland Enterprise business and, before this, worked at Ciena and BT where he held numerous operational roles. 

He has strong experience of Public Sector & Enterprise markets, delivering critical services.

Siveter has also held delivery and operational positions at Sirocom, Nortel and Energis.

He has been an advisor for the Beyond Boyle foundation and Social Enterprise for Berkshire, is a keen advocate of the social enterprise model and is currently on the board of the FBCC (Finnish-British Chamber of Commerce).

A people-centric organisation

“Thales makes a difference to things that matter, so massive thanks to all the great people I will miss working with on a daily basis, the people who have made Thales what it is today,” said Cresswell.

Siveter added: “I am honoured to be appointed into the role of Chief Executive Officer of Thales in the UK.

“With its long and proud heritage of supporting the UK, I feel privileged to be part of this strong, people-centric organisation, that is delivering cutting edge technology, critical to UK infrastructure and ​ contributes to a safer, more competitive and more sustainable UK.”

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