The Prime Minister has given his approval for the appointment of Andy Start as the new Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) CEO.
Mr Start will replace Sir Simon Bollom who has served as the DE&S CEO since 2018.
DE&S is an arm’s length body of the MOD responsible for providing equipment and support to the UK’s Armed Forces.
Mr Start will take on this significant role within the Defence community having been CEO of Capita Public Service, one of the largest strategic suppliers to UK government, where he currently leads a team of over 12,000 staff.
He spent the first decade of his career working in the space sector as a designer and programme manager of military satellite systems, followed by leading a wide range of aerospace and defence businesses, with a specialism in helping improve performance and drive strategic change.
Incoming DE&S CEO, Andy Start said: “I am delighted and honoured to be taking on this key role in Government.
“DE&S plays a major part in keeping the UK secure and maintaining some of the nation’s key industrial and technological skills.
“There can be few more interesting, more meaningful, or more challenging leadership opportunities.
“I’d like to thank Sir Simon Bollom for his extensive work in leading DE&S and setting a clear and deliverable strategy for the future.
“I look forward to working with DE&S staff, and the wider Defence sector, to drive this forward.”
Mr Start has already previously taken responsibility for leading the UK Aerospace Innovation & Growth Team and supported the development of Defence Industrial Policy.
Minister for Defence Procurement, Jeremy Quin, who will be delivering the opening ministerial address at DPRTE 2022, said: “I’m pleased to welcome Andy Start to the role of CEO at Defence Equipment and Support.
“At an extremely important time in UK Defence, I am pleased that DE&S will be led by a CEO with extensive commercial experience who can take forward the work of Sir Simon Bollom.
Sir Simon, who has led the organisation over the last four years, has consistently been a tireless exemplar of public service leadership and driven DE&S forward. I wish him the very best for the future.”
MOD Permanent Secretary, David Williams said:”Andy’s appointment is great news for both DE&S and MOD as we look to navigate a critical time in UK Defence.
“He brings a wealth of expertise from 25 years in senior leadership roles in Defence industry, and I know he has the vision and ambition to lead DE&S into the future.
“I would also like to thank Sir Simon Bollom for his leadership of DE&S and commitment to Defence over the last four years and across his career. I wish him all the very best for the future.”
DE&S is an official DPRTE event partner
Taking place at Farnborough International on May 5th, DPRTE 2022 is the UK’s leading defence procurement and supply chain event.
For all involved within buying for or supplying to the defence sector, it’s an unmissable opportunity to hear from and engage with industry leaders, influencers and stakeholders.
To register today as a delegate, follow this link.
To take advantage of exhibitor or sponsor opportunities, please click here.
Defence Online is the official media partner for DPRTE 2022
If you would like to join our community and read more articles like this then please click here
DE&S Defence Equipment and Support DPRTE
Post written by: Matt Brown
RELATED ARTICLES
November 20, 2024
Homeland - Major defence reforms launched
The biggest reform of the Ministry of Defence in over 50 years to fix what the Public Accounts Committee calls
October 22, 2024
Homeland - Military working dogs protected by Canine Support Solution
Defence, Equipment and Support (DE&S), the procurement arm of the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) has awarded a new contract
