Roke appoints new Managing Director for next phase of growth
Roke, the UK-based technology and engineering company specialising in defence and national security, has named military and technology veteran Marc Overton as its new Managing Director.
Marc brings a uniquely powerful blend of defence leadership, technology expertise, systems integration, and commercial innovation. He has held senior roles across the technology and defence sectors, combining a long-standing military career with leadership positions in global telecoms and software firms.
He joins from Dassault Systèmes, where he served as Managing Director for Northern Europe, overseeing operations across ten countries and driving growth in digital engineering and systems integration. His career also includes senior leadership positions at BT, EE, Orange, Cisco and Sierra Wireless, where he built large-scale IoT and connectivity businesses, delivered advanced cloud platforms, and championed emerging technologies including 5G, AI and edge computing.
Alongside his corporate career, Marc is a Major General in the Army Reserve and currently serves as Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff (Reserves and Cadets). In recognition of his distinguished service, he was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath in 2025. His experience extends further as a Non‑Executive Director at Defence Equipment & Support, where he advises Defence on the use of digital capabilities to be more competitive and efficient.
Marc’s appointment comes at a time of sustained momentum for Roke, which has delivered double-digit revenue growth for five consecutive years. With its strategy of IP-led growth, the company continues to leverage its heritage in communications, sensors, AI, machine learning and cyber to deliver cutting-edge solutions that protect armed forces, secure borders, and enable enterprise transformation.
Marc comments: “Throughout my career, I’ve focused on driving innovation at pace and advancing technologies such as advanced networks, IoT, AI and digital twins. Roke is already a world leader in developing capabilities that protect our forces and safeguard our borders, businesses and people. My goal is to draw on my experience across both the military and corporate worlds to accelerate this even further.”
Marc replaces the retiring Paul MacGregor who has served as Managing Director since 2019, leading the company through a period of unprecedented growth where it secured landmark contracts with the UK Government – such as ZODIAC and Storm – and drove innovation that has shaped the battlefield now, and will continue to shape the battlefield in the future.
Paul comments: “Roke is on track to continue its significant growth over the next five years. Marc’s combination of military, business and technical experience makes him ideally placed to lead Roke, its staff, customers, partners and suppliers into the future. With Marc, Roke gains a leader who understands the critical intersection of defence and technology, and who knows how to scale and commercialise solutions through customer-focused, engineered innovation. We’re delighted to welcome him on board, and I know I leave Roke in capable hands.”
