Simon Barr
About Simon Barr
Simon Barr serves as the Director of Commercial Global Services at Smiths Detection, where he has worked since 2020. He has extensive experience in commercial roles within the aerospace and defense sectors, having held various leadership positions at Rolls-Royce and other companies.
Work at Smiths Detection
Simon Barr has served as the Director Commercial Global Services at Smiths Detection since 2020. In this role, he is responsible for managing a £400m annual revenue stream in the aftermarket business. He has developed and led a multi-geography team across eight countries, including regions in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas. His responsibilities also include developing strategy and building relationships with C-suite executives to drive change and growth within the aftermarket business stream.
Previous Experience in Aerospace and Defence
Prior to his current role, Simon Barr held several positions at Rolls-Royce from 1996 to 2017. His roles included Senior Corporate Risk & Insurance Manager, Senior Commercial Manager for Aero Engines Sales, and Commercial Director for International Future Aircraft Programmes. He also served as Vice President Services Programmes & Product Management and Vice President & Commercial Director Services in the Marine division. His extensive experience in aerospace and defence spans over two decades.
Independent Advisory Role
From 2017 to 2020, Simon Barr worked as an Independent Advisor, Commercial Director, and Managing Director at Cubicsigma Aerospace Marine Defence Energy. His role involved providing strategic insights and leadership across various sectors, including aerospace and marine defence. This position allowed him to leverage his extensive industry experience while contributing to the growth of start-up initiatives.
Education and Expertise
Simon Barr studied at The University of Sheffield, where he earned a Master of Engineering (MEng) degree in Materials Science and Engineering. His educational background in hi-tech engineering and manufacturing complements his extensive professional experience in the aerospace and defence sectors.