- Derek Cheng spent nearly five years leading Asia-Pacific commercial operations at Vertical Aerospace
- His Airbus roles spanned government affairs, strategic partnerships and urban mobility
- He previously served as regional director of Europe at the Singapore Economic Development Board
Derek Cheng was named country director and CEO of Thales Solutions Asia, also known as Thales Singapore, effective Oct. 1. Thales, which announced the appointment Oct. 5, said Cheng will succeed Emily Tan, who has held the positions since 2022.
The appointment follows Thales’ selection of 2023 Wash100 Award recipient Robert Geckle to lead its U.S. and North American businesses earlier this year.
What Will Cheng Oversee at Thales Singapore?
Cheng will direct Thales Singapore’s workforce of more than 2,000 employees and guide operations at four locations across the country. Two key facilities are the company’s digital identity and security manufacturing center at Ayer Rajah Crescent and its avionics production and maintenance, repair and overhaul facility at Changi North Rise. Both are the largest of their kind within the Thales Group.
Guy Bonassi, Thales’ senior vice president for Latin America and Asia, noted that Cheng’s experience balancing aerospace innovation with operational and regulatory requirements will support Thales’ efforts to strengthen partnerships and sustain business growth in Singapore and the wider region.
The new country manager and CEO said, “I am excited to lead Thales into this next chapter of growth in Singapore. Building on our long-standing presence and deep partnerships, we will work closely with the Government and our partners to accelerate innovation, strengthen local capabilities and develop the next generation of technologies. Across aerospace, defense and security, and cyber and digital, we will contribute to Singapore’s ambition to be a safe, secure and leading global technology hub.”
Who Is Derek Cheng?
Cheng is an aerospace executive whose nearly two-decade career spans industry development and government affairs in Europe and Asia-Pacific. He previously spent almost five years at Vertical Aerospace as vice president and head of commercial for Asia-Pacific, helping establish the company’s Advanced Air Mobility business.
He also spent nearly six years at Airbus, where he held various leadership positions, including Asia-Pacific head of government & public affairs and strategic partnerships, head of Asia-Pacific for Airbus Urban Mobility and director of strategy for Airbus Strategy & International.
Cheng served as regional director of Europe at the Singapore Economic Development Board, where he helped grow the aerospace and high-technology industries.
