BAE Systems announces Crystal E. Ashby to join the Board as a non-executive director

The Board of BAE Systems plc is pleased to announce the appointment of Crystal E. Ashby as a non-executive director of the Company with effect from 1 September 2021.

Sir Roger Carr, Chairman of BAE Systems plc, said: "Crystal has a wealth of experience gained in senior roles in a complex global business and also in helping empower others in business and community leadership. I am delighted to welcome her to the BAE Systems Board. Her appointment strengthens the range of expertise and perspectives on the Board and further enhances its diversity. I very much look forward to her joining the team".

Crystal was recently appointed as the Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer of the US health insurance company, Independence Health Group. She has held various senior leadership roles within the energy sector and brings her considerable expertise in government affairs, legal and regulatory matters to the Board.   

Until recently, Crystal acted as the interim President and Chief Executive of the Executive Leadership Council - a non-profit organisation that supports inclusive leadership principles and the development and advancement of Black executives. Prior to that, she held various senior leadership roles during a long career with BP America Inc., culminating with her appointment as Executive Vice President of Government and Public Affairs and Strategic University Partnerships, and membership of its Americas Leadership Team.

She is an Independent Director on the Board of Texas Reliability Entity, Inc. and serves on the Engineering Dean's Leadership Advisory Board at the University of Michigan. She is a National Association of Corporate Directors Fellow, and a member of the International Women's Forum and American Bar Association. Crystal was named as one of the Top 10 Influential Women in Diversity, by Diversity Globe in 2020 and was named Uptown Professional's Top 100 Executives in America, and the National Diversity Council's Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Oil and Gas.

Crystal is a graduate of the University of Michigan and the DePaul University College of Law.

There is no further information required to be disclosed pursuant to Listing Rule 9.6.13.