A&P Group has announced the appointment of Eddie Purves as its new group managing director.

Following 36 years working for BAE Systems Eddie will now draw upon his extensive expertise to lead A&P Group’s three facilities in Tyne, Tees and Falmouth, which includes Falmouth Docks and Engineering Company.

Eddie joined BAE Systems in 1985 as an electrical apprentice and worked on many key commercial and warship shipbuilding programmes. Throughout his career, Eddie has been involved in a total of 36 new build projects.

In 2003, Eddie joined the Aircraft Carrier Alliance, where he led on the development of the outfit strategy and block build outsourcing for the HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales.

In 2017, he took on the role of Ship build Delivery Director, leading the operations team building three £1 billion Type 26 vessels, HMS Glasgow, HMS Cardiff and HMS Belfast, leading a workforce of more than 1500 people.

David McGinley Chief Executive Officer said: “Eddie has become Group Managing Director of A&P at a pivotal time, as we stand ready to deliver the Government’s National Shipbuilding Strategy and other national infrastructure projects.

“Eddie is one of the UK’s leading shipbuilding specialists in both the defence and commercial sectors and I am delighted he has joined A&P as we enter our next phase of growth.

“Eddie will now lead the delivery of our block build, ship repair, conversion and in-service support portfolio and I am delighted to welcome him to the Group.”

A&P Group delivers significant social value to the UK and is in a strong position to support the Government’s levelling up agenda.

Eddie Purves said: “The combination of A&P’s strong track record in delivering and supporting vessels of vital national importance, its facilities, and regional profile means it is well placed to work alongside bidders to deliver three world-class Fleet Solid Support ships that will increase the capability and development of the Carrier Strike Group.

“I am looking forward to supporting A&P through this exciting chapter of national shipbuilding and supporting the UK Government in the delivery of its national infrastructure programmes.”