Rolls-Royce taps John Kelly as its Africa team lead

March 14, 2023 in Business, Companies, Energy by Editor

British power and propulsion systems maker Rolls-Royce, has tapped John Kelly as President of its business in the Middle East, Türkiye and Africa (META) region.

John’s ascendancy follows six years as Senior Vice President of Europe, the Middle East and Africa for the Group’s Civil Aerospace business.

In his new role, the 20-year veteran will assume group-wide leadership and representation for the Group’s Civil Aerospace, Power Systems and Defence businesses across the META region, engaging with senior government and industry stakeholders.  John joined Rolls-Royce in 2001, as a graduate trainee in the Defence business, rising through the ranks to become a senior manager before joining Civil Aerospace.

“Africa is the world’s second-most populous continent and on target to become the first to grow its economies solely through modern technologies and sustainable low-carbon energy sources. This rapidly developing and innovative region is vital to Rolls-Royce’s future. I will aim to ensure we build upon our foundations while supporting transformative economic growth, climate resilience and an energy transition that is right for Africa,” John said.

He adds that Rolls-Royce, which is better known for its civil aerospace products, will leverage opportunities for all the Rolls-Royce businesses, providing safety-critical power and propulsion solutions for Africa’s major infrastructure projects and industrial customers.

“Our technology can play a fundamental role in enabling the transition to a low carbon global economy. Rolls-Royce develops and delivers complex power and propulsion solutions for safety-critical applications in the air, at sea and on land and employs over 150 people across Africa with an extensive reach across the region.”

Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace serves over 20 African airline customers across 15 countries. The company has over 50pc market share in powering the African widebody aircraft market, with engines installed on over 80 widebody aircraft in service and another 30 on order. Since 2017, the company has supported the inception of three new airlines and delivered over 30 new aircraft. Rolls-Royce also powers a large proportion of the regional aircraft market, with over 95 aircraft in service.

Headquartered in South Africa, Rolls-Royce Power Systems Africa provides power solutions and complete life-cycle support for the continent’s power generation, marine, rail and industrial sectors, providing power solutions to datacentres, mining, oil and gas, shipping, locomotive and agriculture companies.