Royal Navy Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Royal Navy has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, people operations, and legal counsel.

Driven by a mission to protect the United Kingdom's maritime interests, Royal Navy operates a sophisticated fleet, upholding national security through advanced naval capabilities and strategic global presence.

Leadership Roles at Royal Navy

  • Chief Executive Officer - Long Achai
  • Co-Chief Executive Officer - Yassine Boumaden
  • Chief of Staff To Director Naval Staff - Nick Geneux
  • Senior Advisory Laywer, Naval Legal Services Chief of Staff - Graeme Knox
  • Chief of Staff & Deputy Director, People Change - Jennifer Mehta
  • Chief People Officer - David Axford
  • Long Achai - Chief Executive Officer

    Long Achai, the Chief Executive Officer at Royal Navy, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational execution for the United Kingdom's naval warfare force. This leadership role involves setting the direction for fleet modernization, resource allocation, and ensuring the Royal Navy's readiness to meet national security objectives. Achai's responsibilities encompass fostering innovation in naval technology and maintaining the highest standards of operational effectiveness across all maritime domains. The Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with government defense policies and drives the strategic planning necessary for long-term fleet sustainability and global maritime influence. Long Achai's executive oversight guarantees the continuous advancement of naval capabilities, supporting the UK's deterrent posture and international maritime commitments.

    Yassine Boumaden - Co-Chief Executive Officer

    Yassine Boumaden, the Co-Chief Executive Officer at Royal Navy, shares executive leadership responsibilities, focusing on specific strategic initiatives and operational efficiencies. Boumaden's role involves driving key programs that enhance the Royal Navy's operational capacity and technological superiority. This includes overseeing the integration of advanced systems and ensuring seamless coordination between different naval branches and supporting services. The Co-Chief Executive Officer works to optimize resource deployment and streamline operational processes to maximize the effectiveness of the fleet. Yassine Boumaden's leadership contributes significantly to the Royal Navy's ability to project power and maintain maritime security, supporting the United Kingdom's defense strategy through robust naval operations.

    Nick Geneux - Chief of Staff To Director Naval Staff

    Nick Geneux, the Chief of Staff To Director Naval Staff at Royal Navy, provides critical operational support and strategic coordination for the Director of Naval Staff. This position involves managing key initiatives, facilitating communication across various departments, and ensuring the efficient execution of directives. Geneux's responsibilities include streamlining administrative processes, coordinating staff activities, and supporting the Director in strategic decision-making related to naval operations. The Chief of Staff To Director Naval Staff plays a vital role in enhancing the effectiveness of the Naval Staff, ensuring that strategic objectives are translated into actionable plans. Nick Geneux's contributions are essential for maintaining the operational tempo and strategic alignment of the Royal Navy's command structure.
    Graeme Knox, the Senior Advisory Laywer, Naval Legal Services Chief of Staff at Royal Navy, leads the legal advisory functions and manages the operational aspects of Naval Legal Services. This role involves providing expert legal counsel on maritime law, international regulations, and operational matters affecting the fleet. Knox's responsibilities include overseeing legal support for naval operations, ensuring compliance with all relevant statutes, and advising on complex legal challenges. The Senior Advisory Laywer, Naval Legal Services Chief of Staff also directs the administrative and strategic planning for the legal services department. Graeme Knox's expertise is crucial for navigating the intricate legal landscape of naval warfare and maintaining the integrity of legal operations within the Royal Navy.

    Jennifer Mehta - Chief of Staff & Deputy Director, People Change

    Jennifer Mehta, the Chief of Staff & Deputy Director, People Change at Royal Navy, drives strategic initiatives focused on human capital development and organizational transformation within the naval service. This leadership position involves overseeing programs designed to enhance personnel capabilities, improve recruitment and retention strategies, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Mehta's responsibilities include managing change management processes, ensuring effective communication across all levels, and supporting the implementation of new HR policies and systems. The Chief of Staff & Deputy Director, People Change plays a pivotal role in modernizing the Royal Navy's workforce to meet evolving operational demands. Jennifer Mehta's strategic direction ensures the personnel are equipped and motivated to support the UK's maritime defense objectives.

    David Axford - Chief People Officer

    David Axford, the Chief People Officer at Royal Navy, directs all aspects of human resources and personnel management, ensuring the Royal Navy maintains a highly skilled and motivated workforce. This executive role involves developing and implementing comprehensive strategies for talent acquisition, professional development, and employee engagement across the entire naval service. Axford's oversight extends to compensation, benefits, and welfare programs, ensuring they align with the unique demands of military service. The Chief People Officer is instrumental in shaping the organizational culture and fostering an environment that supports operational readiness and long-term career progression for all personnel. David Axford's leadership ensures that the Royal Navy's most valuable asset – its people – are effectively managed and supported to achieve strategic defense goals.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Federal

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Royal Navy Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Royal Navy?
    Royal Navy is led by Long Achai (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Yassine Boumaden (Co-Chief Executive Officer) and Nick Geneux (Chief of Staff To Director Naval Staff).
    Who is part of Royal Navy’s executive team?
    The executive team of Royal Navy includes leaders such as Long Achai (Chief Executive Officer), Yassine Boumaden (Co-Chief Executive Officer), Nick Geneux (Chief of Staff To Director Naval Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Royal Navy have?
    Royal Navy has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Royal Navy’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Royal Navy includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Chief of Staff To Director Naval Staff, Senior Advisory Laywer, Naval Legal Services Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff & Deputy Director, People Change.