Rolls-Royce appoints John Gay as regional director, Middle East

John takes over from Dr Rob Watson, who will be moving to Bristol to take on the position of Senior Vice President Customer Business Asia-Pacific within the Defence business. 

John moves to the Middle East after a two year posting in India, where he served as Rolls-Royce’s senior vice-president of defence aerospace in South Asia.  He began his career with the company at the age of 16 as a technician apprentice and has held a number of key business roles including international assignments in Europe, South America and India before accepting the position of regional director, Middle East. John will be based from the company’s office in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi. 

Robert Watson, Rolls-Royce, outgoing regional director, said; "It has been an exciting three years developing our business in The Middle East, which is an important growth market for Rolls-Royce. John’s international experience and deep knowledge of Rolls-Royce will help us make the most of the market opportunities we see ahead.” 

John Gay, Rolls-Royce, incoming regional director, Middle East, said, "The Middle East remains a strong focus for Rolls-Royce as our business and our customer relationships continue to grow. Our recent achievements in the region are a testament to Rob’s hard work and we look forward to building on this success. As part of our business objectives, we are keen to support the skills and industrial development agendas of the region’s governments." 

In the Middle East, Rolls-Royce products have been in use for over 75 years, with the first Rolls-Royce powered aircraft flying in the region in 1929. Rolls-Royce is a major supplier to airlines and defence ministries, provides marine equipment and design expertise to a number of shipyards. It also has installed over 400 industrial gas turbines servicing the oil and gas industry across the region.