UK-based technology and engineering company Roke has appointed Marc Overton as its new managing director.
Overton succeeds Paul MacGregor, who is retiring after serving as managing director since 2019.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
Prior to joining Roke, Overton served as Dassault Systèmes Northern Europe managing director, where he oversaw operations across ten countries with a focus on digital engineering and systems integration.
He also held leadership positions at BT, EE, Orange, Cisco, and Sierra Wireless, associated with the development of Internet-of-Things (IoT) and connectivity businesses, advanced cloud platforms, and worked on emerging technologies such as 5G, AI, and edge computing.
In addition, Overton holds the rank of major general in the Army Reserve and serves as assistant chief of the defence staff (Reserves and Cadets).
He also serves as a nonexecutive director at Defence Equipment & Support, advising on digital capabilities.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataOverton stated: “Throughout my career, I’ve focused on driving innovation at pace and advancing technologies such as advanced networks, IoT, AI and digital twins. Roke is already a world leader in developing capabilities that protect our forces and safeguard our borders, businesses and people. My goal is to draw on my experience across both the military and corporate worlds to accelerate this even further.”
In a statement, Roke said that this appointment coincides with a period of sustained growth for the company. The company, which specialises in defence and national security services, is said to have achieved double-digit revenue increases over the past five years.
The company will continue to focus on intellectual property-led growth strategies, utilising its expertise in communications, sensors, AI, machine learning, and cyber solutions.
MacGregor said: “Roke is on track to continue its significant growth over the next five years. Marc’s combination of military, business and technical experience makes him ideally placed to lead Roke, its staff, customers, partners and suppliers into the future.”
Earlier this month, Roke secured a British Army contract valued at £20m ($26m) to optimise Project Zodiac for the frontline.
