At the helm: Thales Singapore appoints Derek Cheng as CEO and Country Director

Cheng will lead more than 2,000 employees across four Singapore sites, succeeding Emily Tan as the Group looks to build on its local presence and growth.

Derek Cheng (pictured above) has been appointed Country Director for Thales Singapore and Chief Executive Officer for Thales Solutions Asia, effective 1 October 2026. He will be leading an organisation of more than 2,000 employees across aerospace, defence & security, and cyber & digital.

Before joining Thales, he was Vice President and Head of Commercial Asia Pacific at Vertical Aerospace from 2022 to 2026, where he built the company's advanced air mobility business from the ground up. He previously held senior leadership roles at Airbus from 2016 to 2021, covering urban mobility, government and public affairs, and strategic partnerships across Asia Pacific.

Cheng also spent seven years at the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), supporting the development of the aerospace and high-technology sectors. His last appointment was Regional Director for Europe, based in Frankfurt.

Cheng succeeds Emily Tan, who is leaving the Group to take on a new challenge.

In his new role, Cheng will lead more than 2,000 employees across four sites in Singapore, including the Group's largest multi-module Digital Identity & Security manufacturing centre at Ayer Rajah Crescent, and its largest avionics production and Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul facility at Changi North Rise.

Commenting on the appointment, Guy Bonassi, Senior Vice President for Latin America and Asia, Thales, said Singapore was an important location for the Group's innovation efforts, where air traffic management, defence, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence come together.

He added that Cheng's experience at the intersection of aerospace innovation, operational requirements, and regulatory demands would support Thales as it deepens partnerships and builds on its foundations and growth in Singapore and across the region.

Cheng said he was excited to lead Thales into its next phase 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.”

If you’d like your senior leadership appointment to be featured in ‘At the helm’, please write in to us at editorial@humanresourcesonline.net.

Lead image / Provided