Mark Thomas FREng 

CEO, Reaction Engines Limited 

Mark Thomas is an exceptional leader with a strong aerospace, engineering and technology background. He has both blue chip organisation and startup company experience, gained over 25 years’ experience with Rolls-Royce and nearly 10 years with Reaction Engines. He currently leads a highly innovative SME, developing new propulsion systems and thermal management solutions at the cutting edge of technology. He inspires others, builds winning relationships and teams, and leads by example to deliver outstanding results. He has a proven record of technical delivery, organisational transformation and business growth, as well as an impressive history of fund raising and partnerships. A collaborative, innovative and strategic leader, he has put Reaction Engines, an award-winning business, on the world stage. Mark can look back on his time in Rolls-Royce with real pride, having been chief engineer across multiple engine types, and leading the company's civil aerospace technology demonstrators and future programmes. A defining point in Mark's career was his leadership of the final stages of development, qualification, and a flawless entry into service of the EJ200 engine for the Eurofighter Typhoon.