Gethin Lewis

Co-founder & Executive Director, SurgeCell | Defence & Aerospace Business Development Leader

Gethin Lewis brings over 26 years of strategic leadership across UK and European defence markets to his role as Co-founder and Executive Director of SurgeCell. An accomplished defence and aerospace executive, Gethin uniquely combines deep expertise in traditional major programme delivery—including QE Class Aircraft Carriers, F35 Lightning II, and Eurofighter Typhoon—with cutting-edge experience in AI integration and autonomous systems from Europe's fastest-growing defence tech startup.

AI Integration & Innovation Leadership

Gethin's recent tenure as Director of Programmes, Air and Space at Helsing demonstrates his ability to bridge established defence capabilities with revolutionary AI technologies. Accountable to the CEO for the UK Air & Space initiative, he successfully secured key contracts with the RAF while helping to unlock a £350 million UK Private Venture investment pipeline. His innovative approach achieved remarkable 10x capability gains based on groundbreaking intellectual property models developed through private venture capital R&D.

During his time at Helsing, Gethin identified and coordinated a €50 million AI product pipeline and R&D investment, contributing directly to the Strategic Defence Review while accurately forecasting emerging opportunities in the rapidly evolving defence technology landscape.

Major Programme Excellence

Gethin's track record in delivering complex, high-value defence programmes spans decades of success with industry leaders. As Head of Integrated Warfare Systems and Sensors UK Programmes at Lockheed Martin, he directed portfolios that generated $160 million of additional sales through effective business-winning strategies and successful export of US products to the UK and Europe. His customer-focused approach delivered a 25% increase in customer satisfaction for Operational Support across various UK defence platforms, including F35 Lightning and Merlin Helicopters.

His expertise encompasses the development and deployment of cutting-edge Integrated Digital Radar and Navigation Systems across the Royal Navy Fleet, including the implementation of classified systems on the Royal Navy Submarine fleet—demonstrating his ability to manage the most sensitive and technically demanding defence programmes.

Strategic Programme Leadership & Transformation

At BAE Systems, Gethin established himself as a transformation leader capable of managing massive, complex programmes. As Type 23 CMS & QE Class Aircraft Carrier Project Manager, he directed a team of over 100 personnel to deliver the Combat Management System for the two new Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers on time and on budget—one of the most challenging naval programmes in recent UK Defence history.

His broader portfolio management experience includes oversight of Combat Systems programmes worth £500 million across 50+ programmes, while providing functional management for 60 PMO and Project Managers. This experience in managing large, diverse portfolios while ensuring compliance with corporate governance frameworks demonstrates his capability to operate effectively at the highest levels of defence programme complexity.

Commercial Acumen & Business Development

Through his founding of Kingfisher Consulting and Strategy and co-founding of SurgeCell, Gethin has demonstrated exceptional commercial insight in addressing future defence needs and driving business growth. His ability to establish and maintain key business relationships up to 4-star level and C-Level has enabled him to represent companies effectively at key defence international trade events and secure transformational business outcomes.

His strategic campaign leadership has consistently delivered substantial results, including securing a $150 million contract with a global client base and achieving year-on-year financial targets of $80 million sales with 21% Return on Sales during his tenure as Programme Director at Lockheed Martin.

Technical Foundation & Academic Excellence

Gethin's strategic vision is built upon a solid technical foundation with a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Liverpool. His professional credentials include membership in the Association of Project Managers (APM) and the Chartered Institute for Engineering & Technology (MIET), ensuring he remains at the forefront of industry best practices.

His technical expertise spans Artificial Intelligence, Edge Processing, Electronic Warfare, Systems Engineering, and Real-time Mission and Safety Critical Systems—providing him with the deep technical understanding necessary to evaluate and implement emerging technologies in demanding defence environments.

SurgeCell Vision & Leadership

As Co-founder and Executive Director of SurgeCell, Gethin leverages his unique combination of major programme delivery experience, AI integration expertise, and proven business development success to provide clients with unparalleled strategic advantage. His ability to bridge the gap between traditional defence capabilities and emerging technologies positions SurgeCell clients to capitalize on the rapidly evolving defence technology landscape while maintaining the operational credibility and programme discipline essential for success in the defence sector.

Gethin's commitment to advancing intelligent, autonomous systems that protect service members and civilians drives SurgeCell's mission to deliver transformational outcomes for defence and aerospace clients navigating an increasingly complex and technology-driven future.