Speakers

As the National Armaments Director (NAD), a position created as part of Defence Reform, Andy leads the National Armaments Director Group, bringing together the teams responsible for developing, delivering sustaining, housing and harbouring the UK's 'national arsenal’ and defence estate. Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), Defence Support and Defence Digital have been brought together to enable greater collaboration, removing blockers to delivery. Using his experience as DE&S CEO, Andy’s role is to ensure a smooth stand-up of the group whilst recruitment for the permanent appointment takes place.

Andy joined the UK Ministry of Defence from his role as CEO of Capita Public Service, one of the largest strategic suppliers to UK government. In that role he led a team of over 12,000 people to help clients across government deliver better outcomes for citizens, at lower cost to taxpayers.

Trained as an engineer, Andy spent the first decade of his career in the space business as a designer and programme manager of military satellite systems. He went on to lead a wide range of Aerospace and Defence businesses with a specialism in improving performance and driving strategic change. His roles have included: Business Unit Director of Airbus’ military space business; CEO of the software business IFS Defence; Managing Director of BAE Systems Defence Avionics; President of Harris Tactical Radio and President of Inmarsat Global Government.

Andy has completed government secondments into the MOD and the Department of Trade and Industry. In the latter role he led the UK Aerospace Innovation and Growth Team and supported the development of Defence Industrial Policy. He has been active throughout his career in supporting others and served on the UK Electronics Council, the board of the trade body TechUK, the board of Smart Africa, and is an active coach and mentor. He has been Chairman of the Medway Innovation Centre and Chairman of MidKent College, a large Further Education College which also delivers the artisan training for Royal Engineers through its subsidiary MidKent Training Services.

Andy studied electrical and electronic engineering at Portsmouth University, and management at Bournemouth University. He completed a year at the Royal College of Defence Studies and completed a Masters in International Security and Strategy at King’s College London in 2019. His thesis considered the recent changes on the structure of Defence Industry.

Outside of work Andy lives in Kent with his wife Alison; they have three grown-up children. He loves travel and enjoys participating in sports from running and mountain biking, to sailing. In addition, Andy has held an Honorary Colonel position in the 106th (Yeomanry) Regiment Royal Artillery since May 2024.