Phillip Stewart is the Chief Operating Officer at Jones Group Europe, where he is responsible for overseeing the company’s operations and ensuring successful execution of contracts, business growth, and operational efficiency. With over 32 years of leadership experience across both civilian and military sectors, Phillip brings strategic insight, operational rigor, and a mission-driven approach to his role.
Phillip has extensive experience collaborating with senior political and military leaders, particularly in Europe and the Middle East. Notably, he served as the first Commanding General of the NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance Force, leading critical operations and advancements in NATO’s surveillance capabilities. He also played a key role in NATO’s response to Russian aggression in Ukraine and led the planning and execution of NATO’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, overseeing critical strategic transitions. Additionally, he was selected to lead the emergency humanitarian evacuation and resettlement of Afghan NATO personnel, demonstrating his ability to manage complex, high-stakes operations in challenging environments.
As a seasoned innovator, Phillip is recognized as “the father” of NATO’s Alliance Persistent Space Surveillance program, contributing to strengthening NATO’s space-based surveillance and security infrastructure. He also became the first person to command both U.S. and European high-altitude drone fleets and has significantly influenced international drone policies.
A skilled communicator and thought leader, Phillip has authored numerous publications and spoken at over 50 international conferences. His ability to drive impactful organizational change, build strategic relationships, and navigate complex global issues makes him a valuable asset to Jones Group Europe.
EDUCATION
Master of Strategic Studies, 2011
U.S. Army War College – Carlisle, PA, USA
Master of Operational Studies, 2006
U.S. Marine Corps University – Quantico, VA, USA
Master of Military Studies, 2005
U.S. Marine Corps University – Quantico, VA, USA
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration and Management, 1992
Georgia Institute of Technology – Atlanta, GA, USA
SKILLS AND PROFICIENCIES
▪ Military rank and service: Major General, USAF, with 32 years of service as a command-rated fighter/ISR pilot and commander, and with international alliance expertise via holding three separate NATO positions, two in command, and one in a wartime theater
▪ Security clearance: Top Secret/SCI (USA) and NATO COSMIC TOP SECRET (NATO)
▪ Superior oral communications skills, with wide-ranging experience briefing at all levels in multiple formats and theaters, and serving as keynote speaker, panelist, and/or moderator at 50+ conferences and engagements
▪ Skilled written communicator, with expertise in the content development of white papers, position briefs, reports, and both national and military policy at the highest levels
▪ Highly organized and process-oriented, with exacting attention to detail and significant skill in the simultaneous management of multiple projects, teams, and priorities
▪ Strategic, results-driven innovator and inspirational, future-looking servant leader, applying facts-based approaches to finding consensus and solving complex, multi-layer problems while anticipating strategic opportunities and mitigating risk
▪ Languages: English (native); French (beginner); Spanish (beginner)