Chris Cholerton

Chris Cholerton has a long and diverse work experience in the aerospace industry. Chris began their career in 1981 and held various roles in both Civil and Defence aerospace businesses at Rolls-Royce until 1998. From 1998 to 2001, they served as the Chief of Turbine Engineering for the Trent 500 engine. Chris then moved on to become the Programme Executive and Chief Engineer for the Industrial Trent in the Energy business. In 2002, they became the Programme Director for the Joint Strike Fighter in Defence. From 2006 to 2008, they held the role of Director for Airbus Production Programmes, and from 2008 to 2009, they were the Director for Boeing Programmes. Chris then became the Programme Director for the Trent XWB engine from 2009 to 2012. From 2012 to 2015, they served as the Executive Vice President of Supply Chain at Rolls-Royce. In 2015, they became the President of Defence at Rolls-Royce, and in 2018, they were promoted to the position of President - Civil Aerospace. As of April 2023, they are currently the Group President at Rolls-Royce. In addition, Chris Cholerton has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce SMR starting in April 2023.

Chris Cholerton completed a Master of Arts in Engineering Science from the University of Oxford from 1981 to 1984. Prior to that, they attended The Ecclesbourne School from 1974 to 1981, although no degree or field of study is specified. Additionally, Chris has obtained certifications as a Chartered Engineer from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, and as a Fellow from both the Royal Aeronautical Society and the Association for Project Management. The specific years in which these certifications were obtained are not provided.