JOHN ABUNASSAR
Strensham
Summary
Accomplished executive with over 25 years of leadership in the Defence and Aerospace sectors. Expertise in defining corporate strategy, driving technological innovation, and delivering multi-billion-euro contract wins while achieving sustained double-digit profitability. Demonstrated success in building resilient industrial capabilities, leading high-performing engineering teams, and cultivating strategic partnerships. Dedicated to advancing national defense objectives through strategic vision, operational excellence, and engineering innovation.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
CEO, Vehicle Systems Division
.
12.2019 - Current
- Led the division as Managing Director and Chairman, defining and executing strategic plans supported by R&D and capital investment.
- Achieved over 30% sales growth through forward business planning and expansion into strategic markets including the US.
- Drove multi-billion euro order intake and increased profitability to double-digit earnings through innovation and market penetration.
- Established global industrial capabilities, including launching four new development and production plants and implementing knowledge transfer programs.
Executive VP of Engineering
Rheinmetall Land Systems
04.2015 - 12.2019
- Led a global, multi-disciplinary engineering team of 1,400 engineers across multiple international locations.
- Delivered complex, multi-million euro engineering programmes for both domestic and international clients.
- Advanced technological innovation across direct/indirect fire, logistics, and autonomous systems to maintain market leadership.
- Built strategic partnerships and talent pipelines through structured development programs and collaboration with academic institutions.
Technical Director and Chief Engineer
General Dynamics UK Ltd
03.2005 - 03.2015
- Directed technical strategy and bid evaluation for major defence opportunities totaling approximately £5Bn.
- Built and scaled engineering capability through targeted training, recruitment, and technology development, driving business growth.
- Led multi-disciplinary teams and industry partners in developing advanced, fully digitized and network-enabled land systems.
- Served as Technical Authority, ensuring compliance with legislative, safety, and system integration standards, including delivery of the Bowman C4I system.
Programme and Systems Engineering Manager
BAE Systems
09.1995 - 02.2005
- Managed projects with full profit and loss responsibility, ensuring efficient supply operations and delivery performance.
- Led training programs and provided ongoing support for the successful deployment of new vehicles into service.
- Developed digital vehicle network strategies to enable future technology integration across platforms.
- Built and formalized systems engineering capabilities, including team development, processes, and safety engineering guidelines.
Education
University of Surrey
UK01-1995
Mathematics, Physics, Biology
Ellesmere College
UK01-1989
Skills
- Strategic Planning
- Team Collaboration
- Operational Execution
- Innovation & Problem Solving
- Complex Programme Delivery
- Leadership & Communication
- Business Performance Delivery
- Product & Technology Development
- Campaign Planning & Market Capture
- Customer & Partner Relationship Management
Timeline
CEO, Vehicle Systems Division
.
12.2019 - Current
Executive VP of Engineering
Rheinmetall Land Systems
04.2015 - 12.2019
Technical Director and Chief Engineer
General Dynamics UK Ltd
03.2005 - 03.2015
Programme and Systems Engineering Manager
BAE Systems
09.1995 - 02.2005
University of Surrey
Mathematics, Physics, Biology
Ellesmere College