Stephen Ball began his career as a student apprentice in the automotive sector and graduated with an honours degree in mechanical engineering in 1976.

He joined Her Majesty’s Government Communications Centre as a scientific officer and over 21 years held various roles culminating in serving as CEO.

Leaving HMGCC he rejoined the private sector as a member of the Board of the management buyout of Hunting Engineering. Following a trade sale to the Lockheed Martin Corporation in 2005 Stephen was appointed Managing Director and led the transition into Lockheed Martin. He was appointed Chief Executive of Lockheed Martin UK in 2009 and led it through rapid growth over the next seven years.

Having retired from Lockheed Martin in 2016, Stephen is now the Chairman of the Aerospace Technology Institute and has a number of Non-Executive Director and advisory roles in the technology and defence and security sectors.