Malcolm Crayford
Business Development and Sales
Developing customer intimacy by harnessing RAF experience and expertise
In 2012 Malcolm left the Royal Air Force (RAF) to pursue a career in the engineering industry. Here, he explains how the core values and skills that he learnt in the RAF have enabled him to excel within the company, whilst supporting the armed forces in a new and exciting capacity.
What is your current role at Thales UK?
I work in a business development and sales role in Thales UK’s defence business. I am the capture lead for a number of air-related Ministry of Defence (MOD) opportunities. I also provide military advice across Thales UK’s businesses on a range of military air-related opportunities.
Please tell us a little about your experience in the RAF?
I was commissioned into the Fighter Control Branch (now air operations) of the RAF and in my formative years as a fighter controller, I directed fast jet aircraft to intercept potentially hostile aircraft. In the later stages of my career, as an air commodore, I led the operational delivery and capability development of the UK’s air surveillance and control system, military air traffic management, space surveillance and missile warning and joint ground-based air defence organisations. I also have broader defence experience having worked in the MOD in Whitehall in an international security policy role.
I left the RAF in 2012 to pursue a career in industry, although I was invited back a year later in a reservist role. I am fortunate to be able to maintain my links to the RAF, through my reservist commitment at Headquarters Air Command, whilst working at Thales.
How do you feel your experience in the RAF has benefitted you in your current role?
My career in the RAF instilled in me a set of core values (respect, integrity, service and excellence) which I believe serve me well in my role in Thales. My career in the RAF also honed my leadership and managerial skills, which are just as relevant in the private sector. My RAF experience also instilled in me a strong work ethic, resilience and a positive ‘can-do’ attitude.
My career in the RAF has given me a deep understanding of our [MOD/RAF] customer’s needs, which has enabled me to build very effective customer relationships.
There is a real value to customer intimacy and my experience in the RAF, when used in combination with the strengths of Thales, allows me to support the MOD and RAF in new and exciting ways as the RAF enters its second century.