Our People

Toby

Chief of Staff - Poland

My military experience: 

• Joined the Royal Air Force Regiment at 17
• 25 year career, leaving in 2022 as a Flight Sergeant
• Iraq tours 2003, 2004, 2006, 2009
• Afghanistan tours 2007, 2010, 2012, 2014
• Variety of roles including leading sniper teams, training RAF personnel, Ceremonial, Fire support, CBRN and more
• Participated in sports including boxing, athletics and downhill mountain bike racing and gained ski qualifications to lead ski touring and teach skiing

In 2022 I joined MBDA as a Group Lead – Electronic Engineering. I applied as a leadership-focused candidate, leaning on 25 years of developing people and teams rather than any technical expertise. Luckily a fellow veteran helped translate my experience for the hiring manager, which got me in the room.

Early on, I focused on getting to know my teams, understanding their world, and helping connect them to the “why” behind it. I tried hard to bring the team together with clear direction, shared purpose and a real feeling of belonging. To be honest, it was eye opening learning where military leadership translated well, and where it didn’t,  but it really helped my growth.

I was asked to take on another team, which pushed me to lead at a bigger scale and stay close to people while managing a wider remit. Getting involved in the People Management Community and Armed Forces Community helped me learn from others and share my own journey, which raised my visibility in a natural way

In 2024 I was appointed as Chief of Staff - Poland. I moved into the Chief of Staff role to broaden my understanding of the business and stretch myself in a new environment and it’s been a step change, working internationally, supporting the Senior Leadership Team, and getting exposure to business areas across the company.

Being part of building the Poland enterprise is incredibly exciting; it's challenging work but having real impact for the business and the region. I'm working across functions and countries, building relationships, solving problems and helping connect people to a shared direction.

The role has really accelerated my communication, influence and decision-making skills and pushed me to learn fast and stay calm in complexity. I love the autonomy to take initiative and help shape how our organisation communicates, collaborates and delivers. Every week stretches me, and I can feel my judgment, pace, and confidence growing along the way.

Coming into MBDA after 25 years in the RAF, I knew I had strong leadership foundations, but I also knew there was a lot I wanted to learn about the business world. I’ve been very deliberate about shaping my development, asking questions, seeking mentors, and putting myself forward for opportunities that stretch me. Alongside the day job, I’ve tried to make a positive impact on the culture too, supporting our Armed Forces and People Management Communities, and helping set up the MBDA Military Transition Scheme.

I’ve done my own learning outside of work, and been lucky enough to be supported to do some inside of work also, all of which has helped me build confidence and capability in this new environment. I’m still learning every day, but I’m proud of how I’ve taken ownership of my transition and growth, and I’m grateful for the support and opportunities MBDA has given me to keep moving forward.