Thales has appointed Derek Cheng as Country Director for Thales Singapore and Chief Executive Officer of Thales Solutions Asia Pte Ltd, effective October 1, 2026. He succeeds Emily Tan, who is leaving the company to pursue a new opportunity.
In his new role, Cheng will lead more than 2,000 Thales employees across four sites in Singapore. His responsibilities will include overseeing the company’s operations and growth in the country, including its largest multi-module Digital Identity & Security manufacturing centre at Ayer Rajah Crescent and its largest avionics production and Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) facility at Changi North Rise.
Cheng joins Thales from Vertical Aerospace, where he served as Vice-President and Head of Commercial for Asia-Pacific. He was responsible for developing the company’s Advanced Air Mobility business in the region, leading commercial activities, business development and strategic partnerships.
Before joining Vertical Aerospace, Cheng held several senior positions at Airbus in Toulouse and Singapore. His roles included Head of Asia-Pacific for Airbus Urban Mobility and Head of Asia-Pacific for Government & Public Affairs and Strategic Partnerships. At Airbus, he worked on regional business development, international cooperation, industrial partnerships, and sustainable aviation initiatives.
Cheng began his career with the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), where he supported the development of the aerospace and high-technology sectors. He later served as EDB’s Regional Director for Europe, based in Frankfurt.
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With an aerospace engineering background and experience spanning aviation, technology, government and strategic partnerships, Cheng brings extensive industry knowledge to his new position. He also holds a Private Pilot’s Licence.
Thales said Cheng’s experience at the intersection of aerospace innovation, operational requirements and regulatory frameworks will support the company’s continued growth and partnerships in Singapore and across the Asia-Pacific region.
Commenting on the appointment, Guy Bonassi, Senior Vice President for Latin America and Asia at Thales, highlighted Singapore’s importance to the company’s innovation activities across air traffic management, defence, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
Cheng said he plans to build on Thales’ established presence and partnerships in Singapore while strengthening local capabilities and supporting the development of technologies across aerospace, defence and security, and cyber and digital sectors.
