Katherine Bennett, CBE FRAeS

Katherine joined the HVM Catapult as CEO in June 2021 following a 16 year career at Airbus, including as Senior Vice President leading the company’s external engagement and strategy in the UK.  Before joining Airbus she worked for Vauxhall Motors.

Katherine was awarded the Order of Commander of the British Empire in January 2019 for services to the aerospace and aviation sector. She has served on various boards of public/private enterprises. She serves on the Investment Council of the Department for Business and Trade, on the Levelling Up Advisory Council and the Made Smarter Commission.  In 2023 she was appointed as Chair of the Department for Business and Trade’s Industry Task and Finish Group on Critical Minerals.

In November 2019, Katherine was appointed as Chair of the Western Gateway, a cross government and local authority initiative which will aim to promote and maximise economic growth across South East Wales and the West of England.

In July 2018, Katherine founded the UK’s Women in Aviation and Aerospace Charter which is committed to building a fair and balanced industry for women in this sector and served on the Board of the International Aviation Women’s Association. Katherine has Honorary Doctorates from Cranfield University and UWE Bristol.