Defence Online

New Head of the Defence and Security Accelerator announced

Homeland July 30, 2019

The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) has announced the appointment of Anita Friend as its new Head.

Anita Friend comes from the Home Office where she was responsible for increasing our resilience to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive attacks.

Accepting the role she said: “I am really excited to be taking on this role. DASA’s mission of maintaining strategic advantage over adversaries by innovating is one I’m passionate about delivering. I have seen first-hand the step-change that innovation can bring in keeping the nation safe and I firmly believe in the benefits of having diversity of thought as well as a collaborative approach.”

Welcoming Ms Friend, Director Defence Innovation Clare Cameron, said: “I am delighted that Anita has taken on this role. She will bring a wealth of experience to help DASA reach out across industry and academia and bring solutions to help protect the defence and security of the UK.”

She went on to thank the outgoing Head of DASA, Lucy Mason, for leading the organisation over the past two years: “Lucy has provided fantastic leadership to the DASA team since its infancy, helping it expand its remit and provide funding of more than £58m to suppliers. I wish her very well in her new role and thank her for helping DASA become such an integral part of defence and security innovation.”

Ms Friend will be starting as Head DASA in September.

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Anita Friend Clare Cameron DASA Defence and Security Accelerator Dr Lucy Mason

Post written by: Matt Brown