Defence Procurement, Research, Technology & Exportability (DPRTE) 2026 continues to add to its speaker programme with the confirmation of senior leadership from ADS Group and a range of influential policy and industry experts. This builds a comprehensive and balanced agenda, following the earlier announcements of keynote speaker Rupert Pearce and Commercial Director of Defence Digital, Victoria Cope, ensuring the event provides a 360-degree view of the UK defence sector.
A significant presence from the UK’s primary defence trade body, ADS, has been confirmed, with both CEO Kevin Craven and Defence Director Samira Braund scheduled to speak. Their participation will provide delegates with a comprehensive and high-level overview of the strategic outlook for the UK’s aerospace, defence, and security industries. Their sessions will cover the critical policy work and supply chain development initiatives being undertaken to support sustainable growth across the sector.
Further strategic depth will be provided by Trevor Taylor, an Independent Defence and Security Consultant with the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), who will deliver research-based analysis of emerging defence trends and their implications for industry. Together with Mark Webber, FAcSS, Professor of International Politics at University of Birmingham.
The agenda is further strengthened by the addition of key commercial and corporate strategists. Lisa Quest, a Partner at Oliver Wyman and Co-Head of its Government and Public Institutions practice, will share expert insights on navigating the public sector market and optimising commercial engagement. Offering a direct industry viewpoint on corporate affairs and stakeholder management, Phil Waterhouse, Group Corporate Affairs Director at APCL Group, will complete the line-up. With these additions, the DPRTE 2026 agenda is set to equip attendees with the strategic, legal, and commercial knowledge required to succeed in the UK defence market.
Confirmed speakers so far:
1. Rupert Pearce, National Armaments Director
2. Victoria Cope, Commercial Director, Defence Digital
3. Andrew Kinniburgh, Director General MAKE UK Defence
4. Samira Braund, Defence Director, ADS
5. Kevin Craven, CEO, ADS
6. Dr Annie Iakovaki Head of Industrial Supply Chains, Digital Catapult
7. Luke Butler, Professor of Public Procurement Law and Regulations, University of Nottingham
8. Trevor Taylor, Independent Defence and Security Consultant, RUSI
9. Sherin Aminossehe, Director of Growth and Missions, MOD
10. Phil Waterhouse, Group Corporate Affairs Director, APCL Group
11. Lisa Quest, Partner, Head of UK&I, Co-Head of Government and Public Institutions, Oliver Wyman
12. Mark Webber, FAcSS, Professor of International Politics, University of Birmingham
More speakers will be announced shortly.
Post written by: Vicky Maggiani
Vicky has worked in media for over 25 years and has a wealth of experience in editing and creating copy for a variety of sectors.
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