ROSETTA APPOINTS SIR JOHN WILLIS AS CHAIRMAN   

27 November 2001

Rosetta Global Communications, the consortium consisting of BAE SYSTEMS, BT and Lockheed Martin, currently bidding for the UK Government’s SKYNET 5 contract announced today that it had appointed Air Chief Marshal Sir John Willis GBE, KCB, FRAeS, RAF [Ret’d] as its chairman. Sir John Willis brings, to Rosetta and its Board, an impressive blend of business and military experience at the most senior level, coupled with a proven track record of leadership. Of exceptional value to Rosetta is Sir John’s in-depth understanding of the Defence environment and its demanding operational requirements.

"Sir John Willis is well respected within industry and Government and, as chairman, will bring an extensive knowledge and experience of the MOD that will significantly enhance the Rosetta Board’s effectiveness," commented Huw Rees, chief executive officer of Rosetta. "We were also very keen to ensure that there was a broad spectrum of complementary skills within the Rosetta management team – Sir John is most ably qualified and suited for this dynamic role within Rosetta, " he continued.

Sir John Willis graduated in the Royal Air Force as a pilot in 1958. Operational command appointments were followed by senior policy roles in NATO and the Ministry of Defence. On promotion to Air Marshal in 1992, Sir John became the last Commander in Chief RAF Support Command before becoming Chief of Staff RAF Logistics Command where he focused on logistics and communications as primary enablers of defence. Sir John’s final Ministry of Defence appointment was as Vice Chief of Defence Staff [VCDS] prior to retiring in January 1998.

Since retiring from the Royal Air Force Sir John has held a number of consultancy positions to industry, most notably to BAE SYSTEMS and BT. Sir John is also vice-chairman of Council at the University of Newcastle, and a member of Advisory Board at Lancaster and York Universities Defence Research Institute. Sir John’s other activities include work as president Northeast Area Royal Air Forces Association and president British Ex-Services Wheelchair Sports Association.

SKYNET 5 is an advanced military communications service providing assured, secure, protected military communications for deployed forces, naval units, RAF elements and UK’s allies overseas. It will replace the existing SKYNET 4 system which is expected to reach the end of its operational life towards the end of this decade.

SKYNET 5 is vital to the Ministry of Defence. It will underpin the UK’s information superiority initiatives and provide the foundation for a world-wide defence internet. Delivery of a reliable service is critical. Rosetta is a joint venture established by the three companies, founded in the UK and 100% UK controlled.

Pete Slinger, General Manager of Rosetta, said: "Rosetta offers the MOD the assurance that SKYNET 5 will deliver the capability required by the UK’s forces throughout the term of the PFI. Flexibility, reliability, service assurance, value for money and the delivery of excellent service are all crucial if SKYNET 5 is to be successful. A Rosetta win will also mean that the UK gains access to sophisticated satellite technology through Lockheed Martin, who have unrivalled depth of experience in military satellite development. This is expertise that strengthens the UK’s industrial capability and provides the assurance that the programme will deliver – on time and to spec."

Aside from the transfer of key technical expertise and knowledge, almost one thousand high value, high-quality technology jobs will be created or secured.

Contact:

Mark Douglas: +44 (0)20 7798 2888

Rosetta Web Site: http://www.rosetta.uk.com