BMT Defence Services, a subsidiary of BMT Group, has appointed James Buckley as its new head of naval architecture. Formerly head of the naval ship assurance support service, he has been an employee of BMT Defence Services since 2007, working in a variety of naval architecture and management roles.

James Buckley said: “I’m delighted to have been promoted into this role. It’s a thrilling time to be part of BMT, as we grow into new markets and develop more of our own innovative designs through our BMT InSpira programme.

“In my new position I have responsibility for liaising with customers on a range of projects, providing specialist advice. I will also be involved in the exciting new projects and services that we know will deliver significant benefits to our customers.”

James has held naval architect and project management posts within BMT since 1992. In this time he has played key roles in both surface ship and submarine projects, providing liaison for international teams, conducting due diligence and independent technical reviews, and providing facilitation services for decision making on ship procurement.

His qualifications include a Bachelor of Engineering degree and an MBA from the University of Strathclyde. He is also a Chartered Engineer. His interests include fell running and road cycling.

Muir Macdonald, managing director of BMT Defence Services, said: “BMT Defence Services maintains a very strong professional ethos where the heads of discipline are at the heart of delivering against the demanding standards we set ourselves. James Buckley is a highly respected naval architect, both in the company and in the country, and I am delighted with his appointment to this fundamentally important leadership role.”