Simon Henley named President of EPI Europrop International GmbH

16th December 2010

EPI Europrop International GmbH (EPI) has announced that Simon Henley will take up the role of President with full responsibility to manage the TP400 engine programme from January 1st 2011. Simon, who joins EPI from partner company Rolls-Royce, replaces Nick Durham who has returned to Rolls-Royce to take up another position.

Simon is currently Director of New Product Introduction and Helicopters at Rolls-Royce Defence where he is responsible for the development, testing and demonstration of a wide range of new engine products and is head of the project management function.
Prior to joining Rolls-Royce in July 2008 he had a 32-year career in the Royal Navy as an Aircraft Engineer Officer, retiring in the rank of Rear Admiral. During his career he saw frontline service with a number of helicopter and fixed wing aircraft types, and enjoyed a progression of project management responsibilities on ship and aircraft platform and equipment programmes, culminating in four years as the Project Director for the UK programme to introduce the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter into Royal Navy and Royal Air Force service.
Commenting on his appointment, Simon said: “I am looking forward to the challenge of leading EPI at a very exciting phase of the TP400 development programme as it progresses on the path to service entry. I’m sure that my extensive background in project management will prove to be valuable in my new role, as will my experience of having worked both for and with our military customers as we start to deliver this game-changing military transport capability.”
Philippe Petitcolin, Chairman of EPI said: “Simon arrives at a key time in the TP400 programme as we prepare for the entry into service and the production and in-service support phases. I am sure that the programme will benefit from his extensive experience in industry and as a military customer.”

Notes for Editors

EPI Europrop International GmbH was created by four leading European aero-engine companies (Industria de Turbo Propulsores, MTU Aero Engines, Rolls-Royce and Snecma [Safran Group]) to manage the TP400 engine programme.
Designed to power the Airbus Military A400M military transport, the TP400 will be the most powerful turboshaft engine in the West. It features a three-shaft configuration and will deliver a maximum power output of 11,000 shaft horsepower.

For further information, please contact:
Nick Britton, Rolls-Royce
Tel: +44 117 979 59 43
Email: nick.britton@rolls-royce.com