Rupert Pearce

Biography
Rupert Pearce is the UK’s National Armaments Director (NAD) and a member of the Defence Board, as a 4*/Permanent Secretary grade civil servant.
With over 40 years of experience, Rupert has built a distinguished career across law, technology, telecommunications, energy, and venture capital, excelling as a CEO, chairman, and venture partner with a proven ability to drive growth, innovation, and transformation in global, high-growth industries.
From 2012 to 2021, Rupert was CEO of Inmarsat plc, a FTSE 100 leader in mobile satellite communications. During his tenure, he launched 6 satellites, developed the pioneering Global Xpress broadband network, and established market-leading business units in aviation, maritime, defence, and government sectors. He also led Inmarsat’s transition to private ownership in one of the largest take-private deals on the London Stock Exchange.
Rupert began his career as a corporate lawyer, becoming an equity partner at Linklaters, where he specialised in corporate finance, M&A, and private equity. He has also advised technology companies and venture capital firms as a chairman and venture partner.
An Oxford graduate with a First-Class degree in Modern History, Rupert is a published author and has contributed to numerous government and industry initiatives, reflecting his commitment to leadership and innovation.
National Armaments Director (NAD)
Leads the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group, bringing together the teams responsible for developing, delivering, sustaining, housing and harbouring the UK’s ‘national arsenal’ and defence estate.
Responsibilities include:
- delivering the capabilities required from industry to execute the defence plans and operations demanded by the new era
- shaping and delivering the Defence Industrial Strategy
- ensuring a resilient supply chain and the required readiness of the ‘national arsenal’
- leading on UK defence exports and acquisition reform
- harmonising procurement and working closely with wider government, industry, academia, and international partners to deploy best practice and investment
- managing safety, risk and environmental issues in accordance with mandated requirements and appropriate best practice
- representing UK interests in international military and political fora, including NATO and the EU