Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston was UK Chief of the Air Staff from 2019-2023, the 4-star commander and head of the Royal Air Force. As principal air and space advisor to the UK Prime Minister, Secretary of State for Defence, and the Chief of Defence Staff, he was one of the youngest ever to hold the role.  

Sir Mike spent over 37 years in the Royal Air Force. He began his career as a fast jet pilot, and served around the world, including numerous operational tours in the Middle East and Afghanistan. As Chief, he empowered innovation at every level, and advocated for the adoption of new technologies like space systems, uncrewed aircraft, swarming drones, and AI. He conceived and established UK Space Command in 2021, and played a leading role launching the strategic partnership with Japan and Italy to build the UK’s next generation combat aircraft, a multi-billion, multi-decade program. 

As a board member and senior advisor, Sir Mike brings experience leading a top-tier European Air Force in a time of geopolitical uncertainty, navigating complex global partnerships at the highest levels of international governments, armed forces, and industry across Europe, the Middle East, Japan, Australia, Canada, and the US. He offers a unique perspective in an era of rapid technological change.  

In 2024, he supported Bridgepoint Group’s investment in MyDefence, a Danish drone defence company, subsequently joining MyDefence’s Board of Directors. He is also a Strategic Advisor to Faculty AI, a UK AI software and consultancy firm; a Senior Advisor at Alloyed, a metal alloy additive manufacturing firm; a Senior Advisor to Intrepid Growth Partners; a Senior Advisor at BCG; and a Visiting Professor at King’s College London. 

Sir Mike’s education includes Engineering Science at Oriel College, Oxford; and an MA in Defence Studies from King’s College London.