Will Erith
Overview
With over 30 years of international business leadership experience, Will Erith has operated across diverse sectors and geographies and has deep expertise in international growth and partnerships. His career has been largely shaped by Aerospace, Defence, and Maritime, where he has held senior positions including CEO and Managing Director. He has served on the Group Executive Committee of an international FTSE100 as well as various other corporate and not-for-profit Boards.
Will has a diverse portfolio of advisory and consulting engagements with prominent international engineering corporations, leading UK consulting firms, and innovative European tech start-ups. He is a passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion, personal growth, and continuous learning.
Approach
Will is a lifelong learner who thrives in collaborative environments. His open, supportive, and thought-provoking approach inspires individuals to challenge their own perspectives and unlock their full potential. He emphasises balance - leading by example, ensuring professional success aligns with family life and personal passions.
Bringing clarity, practicality, and empathy to his clients, Will empowers them to reach the best versions of themselves and thrive in realizing their ambitions. He believes deeply in purpose-driven leadership, the co-creation of strategy, and fostering open dialogue to navigate challenges while maintaining high-performance at both individual and team levels.
Career History
After graduating with first-class honours in Mechanical Engineering from the University of London, Will started his career at Rolls-Royce, swiftly advancing through leadership roles in Engineering, Programme Management, Business Development, and General Management. Notable positions included Chief Development Engineer, International Business Development Director, Head of Support and Director of Engineering for Defence Services.
In 2014, he relocated to Tokyo to lead Rolls-Royce’s Asia Pacific Marine business. On return to the UK in 2017, he joined Babcock International, initially serving as Managing Director for Ships before his promotion in 2020 to CEO of the Global Marine Sector (£1.5bn revenue & 7,000 employees) and a seat on the Group Executive Committee. In late 2023, Will established his independent consultancy, helping organizations and individuals achieve sustainable success.
His contributions extend beyond business, serving as a Trustee for various charities and a Schools Federation Governor. He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers.
Personal
Will lives in Devon with his wife, Sally, and their two children. Outside of work, he embraces family time, outdoor sports (running, cycling, surfing, snowboarding), and indulges his passion for music, playing drums in various bands. He also enjoys travel, reading, and nature.