Former Airbus CEO Tom Enders Appointed Chairman of KNDS Board

European Defence Industry Former Airbus CEO: Tom Enders appointed Chairman of KNDS Board of Directors

2025-10-21 Source: Press release 1 min Reading Time

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KNDS has announced the appointment of former Airbus CEO Tom Enders as Chairman of its Board of Directors, effective November 3, 2025. With his extensive experience in aerospace and European industrial leadership, Enders is expected to strengthen KNDS’s strategic position as a leading European system integrator in the land defence sector.

Tom Enders, former Airbus CEO, will assume the role of Chairman of the KNDS Board of Directors on November 3, 2025, guiding the group’s strategy as a leading European land defence company.(Source: KNDS, company statement.) — Tom Enders, former Airbus CEO, will assume the role of Chairman of the KNDS Board of Directors on November 3, 2025, guiding the group’s strategy as a leading European land defence company.
(Source: KNDS, company statement.)

KNDS has announced that Tom Enders, one of Europe’s most prominent business executives and former CEO of Airbus, will join the company’s Board of Directors as Chairman, effective November 3.

Tom Enders is widely recognized for his leadership in transforming Airbus into a global aerospace leader. Between 2005 and 2019, he served as Chief Executive Officer of EADS and later Airbus, overseeing the company’s consolidation in the defence and space sectors and a significant increase in enterprise value.

Before entering the aerospace industry, Enders held several policy and research positions, including roles at the German Ministry of Defense and the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in London. Since leaving Airbus, he has remained active in international business and policy, serving on multiple corporate boards and advisory groups.

Jean-Paul Alary, CEO of KNDS, welcomed the appointment: “I’m delighted that Tom Enders is joining KNDS as Chairman of the Board. At a time when KNDS is opening a new chapter in its development as a European lead system integrator and global leader in land defence, Tom brings invaluable experience and a clear strategic vision to help strengthen our position at the heart of the industry’s evolving challenges.”

Commenting on his new role, Tom Enders said: “I’m honored to join KNDS at such an exciting moment in its journey. As Europe strengthens its defence capabilities, KNDS is uniquely positioned to play a leading role. I look forward to working with the Board and leadership team to build a strong, innovative and competitive European defence company.”

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Date: 08.12.2025

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