Live ChatSimon Bollom graduated from Southampton University in 1981 with an honours degree in mechanical engineering. He served in the RAF as an engineering officer for 35 years and his last appointment was as Chief of Materiel (Air) in Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) and RAF Chief Engineer on the Air Force Board. During his service career he served in a variety of operational and staff appointments, with the last 15 years focussed on acquisition and support delivery.
He retired from the RAF in April 2016 and having enjoyed a short career break interspersed with some consulting, he returned to the DE&S as Chief of Materiel (Ships) in April 2017 responsible for acquisition and support of surface ships for the Royal Navy. He was Chief Executive Officer DE&S May 2018 until July 2022.
A great supporter of SSAFA, Simon has over the years participated in Corporate Friends and the Ride to the Somme fundraising event.
Appointed as Companion of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath in 2011, he became a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2012 and was made Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire in Her Majesty the Queen’s 2016 New Year’s Honours List