Lord Parker brings significant experience in national security, having served as Director General of MI5 from 2013 to 2020. During his tenure, he focused on driving change through new technologies and held positions on key committees, including the UK’s National Security Council.
In 2021, he was appointed Lord Chamberlain by Queen Elizabeth II, where he oversaw major state events and royal ceremonies. He was knighted in 2019 and entered the House of Lords in the same year.
Lord Parker has also held a Non-Executive Director role at Babcock International Group since 2020, a company operating in defence, aerospace, and security. His addition to Vertical’s Board follows the company’s recent announcement of a hybrid-electric programme aimed at defence and logistics applications.
The UK government recently pledged over £20 million to support drone and eVTOL development, including air taxis and emergency services, as part of the Future Flight Challenge. This brings total government investment in the sector to more than £300 million, with the aim of enabling real-world operations and regulatory readiness by 2028.
Commenting on his appointment, Lord Parker said: “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.”
Domhnal Slattery, Chairman at Vertical Aerospace, welcomed the appointment, stating: “Lord Parker’s 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 is highly aligned with our strategy to scale both civil and defence applications, and he brings a perspective that perfectly complements the diverse capabilities already represented on our Board.”
Vertical Aerospace is developing the VX4, a piloted, four-passenger electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft with zero operating emissions. A hybrid-electric variant is also in development to offer extended range and mission versatility.
The company collaborates with leading aerospace partners such as GKN, Honeywell, and Leonardo while developing its own proprietary battery and propeller systems. Vertical has received approximately 1,500 pre-orders for the VX4, with customers including American Airlines, Japan Airlines, GOL, and Bristow.
Headquartered in Bristol, Vertical’s leadership team draws from leading aerospace and automotive firms, having collectively supported certification of over 30 civil and military aircraft and propulsion systems.
