Simon Best is Head of Innovation at Airbus Defence & Space.  In his role he leads the exploration and validation of new business areas for the Division as well as innovating current capabilities to address new applications.  Working also across Airbus on developing solutions in Hydrogen-electric energy, CO2 to energy, predictive Situational Awareness systems and digital enablement in defence, security and business systems.  The innovation team scope encompasses the innovation cycle from idea to minimal viable product, to market test, to business start-up.  The Innovation team includes a new business Incubator.  Through the Joint Venture Company Neorizon and the broader Airbus Innovation Factory, the innovation team can create new innovative products and solutions with the speed and flexibility of software.  Simon is also a member of the Advisory Board of Neorizon.

Prior to this role Simon lead strategic business development for Airbus Communications, Intelligence and Security business delivering products and services to a wide range of Governmental and large corporate sectors.  Simon is an Electronics Engineer by training with 12 years’ experience in Management Consulting in the Telecoms and IT industry and before that, 14 years with British Telecom contributing to building BT’s global businesses post privatisation.