Doug Liddle takes up role as UKspace Chair

September 30th, 2024

UKspace’s new Chair, Doug Liddle, has talked about his vision for the future of the UK space sector, after taking up his new role at the UK space industry’s trade association today.

Doug, who is Director of Space at BAE Systems, and CEO at In-Space Missions, takes over from John Hanley who has been in post since September 2022.

Doug said: “This is a time of inflection for the UK space sector as we face the threat of tightening national budgets alongside the opportunity of growing international markets. More than ever, the sector needs to come together with a single voice to meet these challenges and deliver the transformational change and national prosperity it is uniquely placed to do. I’m excited to take on the role of Chair and to work with the UKspace team and alongside my industrial colleagues to drive the sector forward.”

Alongside Doug, Ben Stern from Surrey Satellite Technology, will be working as Vice-Chair of UKspace for the same period. It is the custom and practice in UKspace that the Vice-Chair will then assume the role of Chair for the following two years, from September 2026.

UKspace President, Dr Alice Bunn OBE, said: “Every successful sector needs a single voice to drive shared priorities with government. I’m delighted that Doug and Ben are joining the team to drive that work forward and position the UK to take full advantage of the exciting opportunities ahead in space. I’d like to thank John Hanley for his work over the past two years as Chair, and also recognise the significant contribution Nick Shave has made over the past six years as Vice-Chair, Chair and Treasurer.”