Simon Wilson

Accomplished professional with extensive expertise in safety and compliance inspections, accident investigation and crisis management. Demonstrates exceptional skills in effective delegation, proactive approach and strategic asset allocation. Proven ability to conduct audits, provide fire and safety guidance, and optimise resources. Adept at relationship-building, change management and project management. Committed to enhancing organisational competence through behavioral based safety practices and persuasive communication.

• Golf, Clay target shooting, hill walking, travel, DIY and car mechanical repair.

Joining the Royal Navy in 2003 as an Aircraft Handler, I worked and managed flight decks supporting complex maritime aviation around the world. My role was pivotal in the safe launch and recovery of aircraft and the maintenance of the flight deck itself, its services and the hangar/storage facilities. This experience honed my exceptional skills in managing people and assets in high-pressure, dynamic and ever changing situations.

After over a decade in aircraft handling, I transitioned into an executive environment, branching into facilities and project management, where I streamlined operations and improved practices. I was responsible for maintaining functional operations in a training environment, overseeing maintenance and building programs across 4 vast training sited including eleven large structures, 15 vehicles, and thousands of pieces of equipment. During this period, I initiated and completed some significant projects to replace live fire training units and a large fire training structure and transitioned the entirety of the vehicles and equipment over to new support contract, leading employee training and further development across the fleet air arm.

For the past three years, I have served as the head of fire safety, covering three airbases and providing support to a fourth. My responsibilities included overseeing fire prevention, safety training and ensuring legislative compliance. This role required a deep understanding of governmental legislation and MOD policy and how to apply them to some very complex structures and practices.

Over the past two decades, I have developed a combination of technical expertise, leadership and extensive hands-on experience in military aviation, fire safety, facility and project management. These skills have earned me numerous commendations throughout my service.

Now, as I retire from active service, I am eager to bring these invaluable skills into new roles, continuing to contribute to safety and operational efficiency in diverse sectors.