The honour reflects Fiona’s outstanding contribution to the UK’s aerospace and defence sector, alongside her long-standing commitment to promoting gender diversity and inspiring the next generation of engineers.
Fiona joined Leonardo (then Marconi) in 1984 after graduating from the University of Cambridge with a degree in mathematics. Over more than four decades, she has played a pivotal role in the development and optimisation of electronic warfare (EW) systems that have protected UK armed forces in operational theatres, including equipment deployed on Tornado, Harrier and Typhoon aircraft.
Today, she continues to lead the development of advanced EW capabilities for next-generation platforms, helping ensure the UK remains at the forefront of defence innovation.
Alongside her technical leadership, Fiona has been a tireless champion for STEM education and inclusion. As one of very few women in the industry at the start of her career, she has dedicated herself to mentoring, outreach and advocacy, working with schools, universities and industry networks to demonstrate that a career in engineering is open to all.
Her impact as a role model and mentor has been widely recognised, including receiving the Princess Royal’s WISE Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024 for her commitment to supporting and inspiring future generations of engineers.
Clive Higgins, Chair & CEO, Leonardo UK Ltd said: “Fiona’s appointment as an OBE is richly deserved. She represents the very best of Leonardo, combining world-class technical expertise with a deep and enduring commitment to people, inclusion and opportunity. Her leadership has not only advanced critical defence capabilities, but has helped shape a more inclusive and resilient engineering community.”
Reflecting on her award, Fiona said: “I am incredibly humbled to receive this honour and to be recognised alongside so many people who have made such valuable contributions to the UK. I cannot thank the colleagues who put me forward enough for their belief in me, it’s truly overwhelming.
“I have always felt passionate about making the best of our equipment to protect those who serve our nation. The greatest reward in my career has been talking with aircrews who have quietly told me that the systems I worked on helped to keep them safe and bring them home.
“As one of very few women in the industry when I started, I’ve also been passionate about sharing my experiences and encouraging others, particularly young women, to pursue careers in STEM. Seeing those I’ve mentored go on to succeed has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.”
Leonardo is a proud signatory of the Women in Defence Charter and continues to champion inclusion and diversity across its UK workforce of more than 8,500 people.