Rolls-Royce Holdings plc has announced the appointment of Birgit Behrendt as a non-executive director from the conclusion of its AGM on 11 May 2023. On joining the board, Behrendt will be appointed to the nominations & governance committee and the safety, ethics & sustainability committee.

Behrendt spent much of her executive career at Ford Motor Company, latterly as vice president of global purchasing. She is currently a non-executive director of Umicore SA, Thyssenkrupp AG and KION Group AG.

Dame Anita Frew, chair of Rolls-Royce, said: “I am delighted to welcome Birgit to our board. She combines deep experience across global procurement and supply chain management with extensive experience leading large, complex projects across many geographies. She is a passionate advocate for sustainability and transformation and also has a strong track record and ongoing interest in developing, mentoring and coaching key talent and encouraging women in particular to consider a career in STEM.”