Clive Higgins
Chair and CEO
Leonardo UK
A prominent figure in the UK’s defence and security industry, Clive was made Chair and CEO of Leonardo UK Ltd in 2023. He is responsible for Leonardo’s helicopter, electronics and cyber security businesses at nine main sites across the country, as he drives the company’s ambitious growth and UK investment strategy.
Clive was elected Vice President for Defence at ADS, the UK’s trade association for the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors in 2024. In 2025, Clive was named Sector Lead for the International Working Group within the MOD’s Defence Industrial Joint Council, and in 2026 he was appointed Chair of the Telespazio UK Board. He also co-chairs the 3-star Strategic Partnering Programme coordinated by the Cabinet Office and MOD.
Clive started his career as an Engineering Apprentice at Leonardo’s site in Yeovil (then Westland Helicopters), during which time he obtained a BEng Hons in Design Engineering. Having held senior positions at Leonardo in both the UK and Italy, Clive was appointed to the Board of Directors of Leonardo UK Ltd. in 2019.
AGF Defence Summit: Fortifying the frontline: Allied deterrence and defence on NATO’s eastern flank
Hall 4 – AGN Theatre; Bringing political leaders together to examine how NATO, the EU, and national governments are strengthening deterrence and defence along the Eastern Flank in response to Russia’s continued aggression, long‑term strategic
