One of Britain and NATO's longest serving defence secretaries, Sir Ben Wallace, has been appointed to the board of Gloucester-headquartered insulation and protection systems supplier, AIS.
Sir Ben, a Conservative MP from 2005 to 2024 and UK defence secretary from 2019 to 2023, joins the AIS board as a non-executive director to help guide the firm's direction and accelerate growth, this April 2025.
Established in 1993, AIS – or Advanced Innergy Holdings, previously Advanced Insulation Systems – is a global supplier of insulation and materials for energy and industry, specialising in fire and thermal protection, large underwater cable solutions and battery testing and protection.
With a total income minus operating expenses (EBITDA) of £20 million in the last financial year, AIS has 'rapidly scaled its global footprint' through organic and inorganic means in recent times, now employing 750 people worldwide and supporting the energy transition of industries through its 'innovative' material science solutions.
The firm says Sir Ben brings an 'extensive' understanding of innovation in defence and national security, with strong government and commercial relationships.
Sir Ben said: 'I am pleased to take up this role with AIS and look forward to supporting the company on its continued growth journey.
'AIS is a great UK success story, supporting a global energy transition by leveraging its market leading solutions to provide its global client base with mission-critical protection for vital strategic industries.
'The products manufactured by AIS play an important role in delivering energy security and transition, both of which deliver positive socioeconomic impact.
'AIS has great plans for the future. I am delighted to be joining this ambitious team and I look forward to contributing towards AIS’s long-term growth objectives.'
Russell Ward, chairman of AIS said: 'We are pleased to welcome Sir Ben Wallace to the Board and we believe the calibre of this appointment reflects AIS’ growth ambitions and status as a market leader in our chosen field.
'Sir Ben’s understanding of the defence sector and the geopolitical landscape, together with his proven leadership as one of NATO’s longest serving defence ministers, will be invaluable as the business expands into new markets with global reach, along with the strategic input and insight which Sir Ben naturally brings.'
