UK-based global major propulsion and power systems group Rolls-Royce has announced that its African operations have, with immediate effect, a new head. He is 21-year company veteran John Kelly and he has been appointed the group’s President – Middle East, Türkiye and Africa (META). 

Starting his Rolls-Royce career in the company’s Defence business, he reached the level of senior manager before transferring to the Civil Aerospace business. He subsequently attained the level of Civil Aerospace senior VP Europe, the Middle East and Africa, a post in which he spent six years, before his latest promotion.

“Africa is the world’s second-most populous continent and on target to become the first to grow its economies solely through modern technologies and sustainable low-carbon energy sources,” he highlighted. “This rapidly developing and innovative region is vital to Rolls-Royce’s future. I will aim to ensure we build upon our foundations while supporting transformative economic growth, climate resilience and an energy transition that is right for Africa.”

In Africa, Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace currently has more than 20 airlines as customers, based in 15 countries. Since 2017, the group has supported the establishment of three new African airlines and delivered the engines for 30 new aircraft. Rolls-Royce engines are fitted to more than 80 widebody aircraft operated by African airlines, and will be fitted to 30 more, currently on order. This gives the company a 50% market share in the African widebody airliner power plant market. A large part – more than 95 aircraft – of the African regional airliner fleet is also powered by Rolls-Royce.

“While we are renowned for excellence in civil aerospace, we will leverage opportunities for all the Rolls-Royce businesses, providing safety-critical power and propulsion solutions for Africa’s major infrastructure projects and industrial customers,” he affirmed. “Our technology can play a fundamental role in enabling the transition to a low carbon global economy.”

Rolls-Royce Power Systems Africa has its head office in South Africa. It provides power solutions and total lifecycle support for the African industrial, marine, power generation and railway sectors. Applications include agriculture, datacentres, locomotives, mining, oil and gas, and shipping.

Rolls-Royce Defence works closely with several African countries and supports many African defence forces. Its power and propulsion systems support protection, security and exploration operations.