GM Defence establishes UK presence to support British defence ambitions and appoints Simon Gray as Director Business Development.
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Press Release, Andover, 03 September 2026: GM Defence today announced the appointment of Simon Gray as Director Business Development to strengthen the company’s commitment to the United Kingdom, and support its defence priorities and sovereign capability. GM Defence is a member of Team LionStrike, alongside partners BAE Systems and NP Aerospace, to compete for the UK Ministry of Defence’s Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV) programme.
Based in Andover, Gray will lead GM Defence UK’s engagement with the UK Ministry of Defence, British Armed Forces and industry partners. He also supports GM Defence’s wider NATO and European defence activities, including delivery planning and through-life support for Team LionStrike.
Team LionStrike – a partnership of GM Defence, BAE Systems and NP Aerospace – is pursuing the UK Ministry of Defence’s Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV) programme, which will modernise the British Army’s light mobility fleet. GM Defence serves as OEM vehicle supplier and engineering authority, bringing proven commercial vehicle platforms, global engineering and manufacturing scale, and a worldwide parts and service network.
“Establishing a dedicated UK presence is an important milestone in GM Defence’s long-term commitment to the United Kingdom,” said Steve duMont, President and CEO of GM Defense. “Our local team will help us work more closely with the Ministry of Defence, our industry partners and the communities where we operate, ensuring we can provide responsive, reliable and sustainable support.”
Gray brings nearly 20 years’ UK Defence leadership experience, specialising in procurement, rapid acquisition and programme delivery. He has managed multi-million-pound projects spanning mobility platforms, military vehicle integration and uncrewed ground systems. Experienced in translating operational requirements into executable solutions, Gray combines deep defence procurement expertise with a strategic, innovation-led approach and is a trusted adviser to senior military leaders and global stakeholders.
“GM Defence has a unique opportunity to contribute to the future of British military mobility,” said Gray. “I’m pleased to join the team at this important stage and look forward to working with our UK partners to deliver practical, scalable and long-term capability for the British Armed Forces.”
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