UK Export Finance (UKEF) has appointed Pat Cauthery as head of its aerospace and defence business.

He replaces Gordon Welsh in the role, who moved to head of the business group in May 2016.

Cauthery most recently led UKEF’s strategy development, policy and communications activities as head of the chief executive’s office. Before that, he spent seven years in the aerospace team, overseeing transactions including UKEF’s first capital markets-funded deal to support the export of Airbus aircraft to operating lessor Aercap, and the first export credit agency-supported A380, delivered to Qantas.

Welsh says: “This is a hugely important time for the government’s export strategy, and, with UKEF’s support, companies in the aerospace and defence sectors will play a vital part in achieving our ambitious export targets. I am very pleased to announce Pat’s appointment; his expertise and innovative approach to export finance will be a great asset for exports and exporters in these industries.”