ARPAS-UK strengthens the executive team to support growth of the commercial drone sectors and to realise Government-backed research that predicts drones could contribute an additional £42 billion in economic growth and 650,000 potential new jobs by 2030.

The UK’s drone association ARPAS-UK has announced new Directors, Chair, and CEO in a move to support the UK’s fast-developing commercial drone sector, across a spectrum of industry applications. The appointments include Aleks Kowalski and Chris Daniels as new directors. In addition, new roles to support the industry focus on growth and further develop ARPAS-UK are as follows:

• Graham Brown is appointed as Chairman of the board. Graham has been CEO for over four years and has relentlessly promoted ARPAS-UK’s position as the unique trade association and voice for the drone community in the UK with a broad range of stakeholders;
• Stuart Keenan is appointed as Vice-Chairman. Stuart has served as Chairman and will continue to support the organisation to drive the industry forward;
• Anne-Lise Scaillierez is appointed as CEO of the organisation. Anne-Lise has been a Director since 2018 and has played an active role as Director of Finance and in providing fair and balanced intelligence to national stakeholders to support the drone community’s recognition;
• Rupert Dent will continue to support the organisation as Director, Policy and Regulations. Rupert plays a vital role in advocating proportionate regulations and standards, and acting as a respected regulation counterpart to the authorities and members alike.

Aleks Kowalski  has joined the ARPAS-UK board of directors. Aleks looks at the longer-term strategic importance for ARPAS in bringing together all UAS pilots, large and small, and the ecosystems around them.

Chris Daniels has joined the ARPAS-UK board of directors. Chris is a strategic advisor on commercialising start-ups and scale-ups, focused on aerospace & defence and Machine Learning and Big Data Tech.

Graham Brown, Chairman:

“This is an exciting time for the drone sector in the UK, and pivotal in terms of not only changing the way that safe working practices and efficiencies can be introduced across a range of industry sectors, but also provides an opportunity for operators and service providers to help shape the future of our sector. I’m confident that ARPAS-UK is best placed to play a central role in accelerating the safe use of drones across multiple industries and developing profitable businesses in the UK commercial drone sector.”

Anne-Lise Scaillierez, CEO:

“I am thrilled to take on the position of ARPAS-UK CEO and look forward to supporting our members and the drone community.  The benefits of drones as a powerful tool to digitise from the air are more and more recognised by the professionals and the public. At the same time, we are on a journey. We still have much to do to unlock the full potential of drones and its many potential applications. As a membership organisation, our key word is Engagement, with our members, with the CAA, and with the broader ecosystem, so that we can reach that potential together.”

About ARPAS-UK:

ARPAS-UK is the industry and professional body focused on representing the UK drone community. Founded in 2013, ARPAS-UK, supports members from start-up businesses to larger established operations, operators, manufacturers, software and service companies through promotion of innovation and best practice..

On behalf of its members, ARPAS-UK works closely with:

• industry regulators, in particular CAA (Civil Aviation Authority)
• UK Government departments (primarily DfT, BEIS and NPCC) to provide feedback and consultations with the objective to ensure that the regulatory framework for the safe and professional operation of drones
• other key stakeholders in the development of national and international drone strategies and standards

The Association works in the public interest, and advocates professionalism within its membership through compliance with an agreed Code of Conduct and the holding of appropriate permissions

For further information contact: membership@arpas.uk

3 October 2022