Oliver Waghorn

Oliver is Head of Government Relations at BAE Systems. In this role he leads on engagement with national and local Government, as well as coordinating corporate approaches to national and international policy. He also provides political counsel to the Chairman, Board and Executive Committee, is a member of the UK Management Board and the International Advisory Board.

Previously he was Chief of Staff to the Group CEO providing counsel and project execution support to the CEO, driving the delivery of major leadership priorities. He also acted as Secretary to the Group Executive Committee.

He has also served as Director of Government Relations, External Relations and Policy at BAE Systems, supporting the Chairman, CEO, Executive Committee and Head of Government Affairs, with the provision of political policy advice, and campaign support across the business to established UK programmes and new business campaigns, as well as export opportunities overseas. He also led on company engagement with trade associations and think tanks, developing BAEs corporate position on national policy issues, and developing broader engagement. 

Prior to joining BAE he ran the defence and security practice of a global public affairs consultancy, providing advocacy and strategy advice to a range of major UK and international corporates. He also served as Special Adviser to the UK Defence Secretary leading on industry, finance exports, and reform. He has also worked in Parliament providing research and policy advice to the Conservative Party, and was an intelligence analyst in the UK MoD.