Admiral Sir Philip Jones GCB DL

Admiral Sir Philip Jones completed a 41-year career in the Royal Navy in June 2019, which culminated in his 3 year appointment as Chief of Naval Staff & First Sea Lord, the Royal Navy’s professional Head and Chairman of the Navy Board. In that role he was responsible to the Secretary of State for Defence for the fighting effectiveness, efficiency and morale of the Naval Service. He also advised the Chief of the Defence Staff on maritime aspects of all operations. As Top-Level Budget holder for Navy Command he was responsible for the Navy’s £6.4Bn budget and its 30,000 people.

As a Vice Admiral he had served as Fleet Commander, responsible for the provision of ships, submarines, maritime aircraft and Royal Marines units as required to support mandated maritime operations. As a Rear Admiral he had served as Assistant Chief of Naval Staff, where he worked to identify and drive the Navy Board’s strategic objectives.

Born in Cheshire and educated at Birkenhead School, he read Geography at Mansfield College, Oxford. Earlier in his career he saw active service in the Falklands Conflict in 1982, served in HM Yacht BRITANNIA, commanded the frigates HM Ships BEAVER and COVENTRY, the Amphibious Task Group (as a Commodore) and UK Maritime Forces (as a Rear Admiral). A Shipwright and a Younger Brother of Trinity House, he has been a member of RUSI since 1985.

He is now Chair of the National Museum of the Royal Navy, a Trustee of the White Ensign Association, a Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire, and serves as a Trustee at the Royal United Services Institute