Navantia UK appoints Donato Martínez as new CEO

Navantia UK has today appointed Donato Martínez as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer. Mr Martinez succeeds Juan Ignacio de la Cueva, under whose leadership Navantia UK has accomplished the first steps of the integration of Harland & Wolff, including the unlocking of key investments for the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) programme.

The leadership change follows a few months of significant progress since the acquisition of Harland & Wolff’s four UK shipyards earlier this year. Martinez, previously Navantia’s Chief Technology and Strategy Officer and a member of the group’s global Executive Committee, led the acquisition process and has been instrumental in developing Navantia UK’s business plan.

“I am thrilled to take on the reins of Navantia UK at this exciting juncture. Our vision for Navantia UK is to establish a world-class defence and energy capability that contributes significantly to the UK’s industrial base,” said Mr Martínez. “By transferring Navantia’s global expertise, digital systems and shipbuilding technology, we are creating sustainable, high-skilled jobs and building resilient supply chains across the country.”

Since the acquisition in January, Navantia UK has confirmed a £115 million investment programme across its four yards in Belfast, Appledore, Arnish and Methil, with a significant portion dedicated for the major recapitalisation of the Belfast shipyard. The company has already completed the first phase of integration, protecting over 1,000 jobs, and strengthening the leadership team to deliver the FSS programme. 

Navantia UK is dedicated to enhancing sovereign capabilities for the UK in both defence and energy sectors. The company’s ongoing investment in modernising facilities at Belfast and Appledore will reinforce the UK’s domestic shipbuilding capacity, whilst the development of Methil and Arnish sites as centres of excellence for energy infrastructure will support the nation’s energy security and transition to clean power.

“With the acquisition now complete and our initial integration priorities addressed, this is a natural point for leadership transition,” said Sir Alan Massey, Non-Executive Chair of Navantia UK. “Mr Martínez’s technical background, digital transformation expertise, and experience operating Navantia subsidiaries in international markets position him well to lead Navantia UK’s next phase of growth and development. I would also like to convey my gratefulness and that of the whole team to Juan for his passion and dedication.”

The Fleet Solid Support programme will provide three ships essential to supporting the Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike Group, also positioning Navantia UK to compete for future UK defence programmes. Leveraging Navantia Seanergies capabilities, the company is also expanding its offshore wind capabilities to support the UK’s energy security and net zero ambitions.