- Jean-Brice Dumont will lead MBDA as its new CEO starting Nov. 1
- Dumont brings 14 years of Airbus leadership and defense industry experience to MBDA
- The incoming CEO has supported major aerospace programs including Tiger, NH90, A400M and Eurofighter
MBDA has appointed Jean-Brice Dumont as its next chief executive officer. Dumont will officially succeed Eric Béranger on Nov. 1, following a transition period that begins in October, the company said Wednesday.
Who Is Jean-Brice Dumont?
Before joining MBDA, Dumont spent 14 years in executive leadership roles at Airbus, most recently serving as executive vice president of both military air systems and air power at Airbus Defence and Space. Earlier in his career, Dumont worked at NHIndustries, Eurocopter and DGA.
Dumont brings extensive experience working on international aerospace and defense programs, including the Tiger, NH90 and H160/HIL helicopters, and Airbus commercial aircraft programs such as the A321XLR and A350F. He also oversaw efforts involving the A400M, Eurofighter, A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport and C295 while supporting industrial production growth and next-generation programs spanning drones, transport, combat and mission systems.
How Has MBDA Grown Under Béranger?
MBDA said its business expanded significantly under Béranger’s leadership. Since 2019, annual revenue has grown from about $3.5 billion to nearly $7 billion, while its workforce has increased from 12,000 to 22,000 employees. Its order backlog also rose from approximately $21 billion to $51.5 billion.
The company added that production doubled between 2023 and 2025 as it expanded manufacturing capacity, shortened production cycles and invested in its industrial base. MBDA also said it broadened its portfolio to provide European armed forces and allied nations with defense capabilities designed to address current and future threats.
Dumont takes over MBDA as the company continues to expand its role in European defense modernization. Recent programs, including the THUNDART long-range strike system with Safran Electronics & Defense and the DEFENDAIR counter-drone initiative, reflect MBDA’s broader push into emerging warfare requirements and next-generation defense technologies.
