Royal Navy Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to national security, Royal Navy operates as the United Kingdom's naval warfare force, maintaining a sophisticated fleet and upholding maritime defense.

Leadership Roles at Royal Navy

  • Chief Executive Officer - Long Achai
  • Co-Chief Executive Officer - Yassine Boumaden
  • Chief of Staff & Deputy Director, People Change - Jennifer Mehta
  • Chief of Staff To Director Naval Staff - Nick Geneux
  • Senior Advisory Laywer, Naval Legal Services Chief of Staff - Graeme Knox
  • 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 ensuring the readiness and effectiveness of a technologically sophisticated fleet comprising ships, submarines, and aircraft, including critical assets like ballistic missile submarines that maintain the UK's nuclear deterrent. Achai's responsibilities extend to overseeing the integration of advanced technologies across naval platforms and fostering innovation to maintain a competitive edge in maritime defense. The Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with national security objectives and manages relationships with key governmental and defense stakeholders. Long Achai's strategic guidance is paramount in maintaining the operational superiority and global reach of the Royal Navy, impacting its capacity to project power and secure vital maritime interests across various operational geographies.

    Yassine Boumaden - Co-Chief Executive Officer

    Yassine Boumaden, the Co-Chief Executive Officer at Royal Navy, shares responsibility for the strategic direction and operational management of the United Kingdom's naval warfare force. Boumaden focuses on enhancing the operational efficiency and technological advancement of the fleet, which includes two aircraft carriers, numerous frigates, destroyers, and mine-countermeasure vessels. This leadership position involves driving initiatives to modernize naval assets and optimize resource allocation across the fleet's diverse capabilities. The Co-Chief Executive Officer collaborates closely with Long Achai to ensure seamless execution of naval operations and the effective deployment of personnel and equipment. Yassine Boumaden's contributions are vital in navigating the complex geopolitical landscape and ensuring the Royal Navy's continued effectiveness in safeguarding national interests and projecting maritime power globally.

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

    Jennifer Mehta, the Chief of Staff & Deputy Director, People Change at Royal Navy, spearheads critical human capital initiatives and organizational transformation within the United Kingdom's naval warfare force. Mehta's role involves developing and implementing strategies to enhance personnel capabilities, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and manage the complexities of workforce evolution across a vast operational structure. This leadership position requires close collaboration with senior command to ensure that people-centric changes align with the strategic objectives of maintaining a technologically sophisticated fleet. Jennifer Mehta oversees the integration of new policies and procedures designed to optimize talent management, recruitment, and retention, directly impacting the operational readiness of ships, submarines, and aircraft. The Chief of Staff & Deputy Director, People Change ensures that the human element of the Royal Navy remains robust and adaptable to evolving defense requirements.

    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 and strategic support to the Director of Naval Staff, facilitating the efficient functioning of the United Kingdom's naval warfare force. Geneux manages key initiatives and ensures seamless communication flow between the Director's office and various departments overseeing the fleet's complex operations, including ships, submarines, and aircraft. This role involves coordinating strategic planning efforts, overseeing the execution of directives, and ensuring that all activities align with the Royal Navy's mission of maritime defense. Nick Geneux's responsibilities include streamlining administrative processes, managing high-priority projects, and acting as a key liaison to support the Director's leadership in maintaining fleet readiness and operational effectiveness across global maritime theaters.
    Graeme Knox, the Senior Advisory Lawyer, Naval Legal Services Chief of Staff at Royal Navy, provides essential legal counsel and strategic oversight for the United Kingdom's naval warfare force. Knox's expertise guides the legal framework supporting the operation of a sophisticated fleet, encompassing ships, submarines, and aircraft, ensuring compliance with international maritime law and national regulations. This leadership position involves managing legal services, advising on complex operational matters, and mitigating legal risks associated with naval activities. Graeme Knox plays a crucial role in shaping legal strategies that uphold the integrity and operational capacity of the Royal Navy, particularly concerning fleet deployments, personnel matters, and international engagements. The Senior Advisory Lawyer, Naval Legal Services Chief of Staff ensures that all naval operations are conducted within the established legal parameters, safeguarding the force's mission and reputation.

    David Axford - Chief People Officer

    David Axford, the Chief People Officer at Royal Navy, directs human resource strategies and talent management for the United Kingdom's naval warfare force, ensuring a highly skilled and motivated workforce. Axford oversees the development and implementation of policies related to recruitment, training, career progression, and welfare for personnel serving on ships, submarines, and aircraft. This critical role involves fostering a supportive and inclusive environment that aligns with the operational demands of maintaining a technologically advanced fleet. David Axford collaborates with senior leadership to address workforce challenges, enhance employee engagement, and ensure the effective deployment of human capital across diverse naval operations. The Chief People Officer's leadership is fundamental to the Royal Navy's ability to attract, retain, and develop the talent necessary for sustained maritime superiority and national security.

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    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 Jennifer Mehta (Chief of Staff & Deputy Director, People Change).
    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), Jennifer Mehta (Chief of Staff & Deputy Director, People Change) 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 & Deputy Director, People Change, Chief of Staff To Director Naval Staff, Senior Advisory Laywer, Naval Legal Services Chief of Staff.