News

Appointment of Sir Michael Pakenham as Non-Executive Director

The Westminster Group are pleased to announce the appointment of the Hon. Sir Michael Pakenham KBE CMG to the Westminster Group Board as Non Executive Director.

Sir Michael Pakenham had a distinguished career in the Diplomatic Service lasting nearly 40 years, during which time he held posts in Poland, Paris, Washington, New Delhi, Nairobi, Brussels, Luxembourg and London. Whilst in the Cabinet Office in Whitehall he served for three years as Cabinet Secretary for Defence and Overseas Affairs, as Chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee and as Intelligence Coordinator. He retired from the Service in 2003 at which point he was British Ambassador to Poland.

Among other current roles he is a Senior Advisor to Access Industries, a US-based private holding company with global interests, including in Russia; and a member of the European Advisory Board to Northrop Grumman IT. He has led work on the EU Security & Technology research project with Thales and IISS. Other appointments include a member of the Council of Kings College, London University; and Trustee of the Chevening Estate.

Peter Fowler, Chief Executive, comments on the appointment:

"Sir Michael Pakenham brings a wealth of business, political and international defence industry experience to the Group. We are very fortunate to have secured his services and believe that he will make a major contribution towards extending our global reach. It is a very evident endorsement of our business that a person of his experience and international credentials should want to be part of the team to realise Westminster’s huge potential."