David Brown Santasalo appoints Mike Helme as Managing Director, Defence

David Brown Santasalo (DBS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mike Helme as Managing Director, Defence.

As Managing Director for the Global Defence business at DBS, Mike will continue to lead the team in forging strong relationships and delivering DBS’ best in class, tailor-made power transmission systems for key Land and Marine Defence partners.

Mike supersedes Steve Watson, Global Defence Director, who will retire following an impressive career, which has included a 20-year tenure at David Brown Santasalo based out of its UK facility.

Mike has a strong background in working on large scale programmes, particularly in the Defence arena. His career reflects a consistent track record of developing and implementing profitable business growth strategies across various sectors, including Defence & Aerospace, Nuclear Power Generation, Marine, Professional Engineering Services and many more.

Notable career highlights have included various key roles at Rolls-Royce PLC, including Nuclear Operations Director and subsequently President of the Rolls-Royce Submarines defence business. Mike also held key roles at defence company Chemring Group PLC, where Mike was a member of the Group Executive and Managing Director of Chemring’s European Division.