Defence company brings on Field Marshal as new chairperson
Defence Holdings, a UK-listed software-led defence company, has made a significant move in the industry by appointing Field Marshal Lord Nick Houghton of Richmond as its non-executive chairman. This appointment marks a key moment for Defence Holdings, as Lord Houghton brings a wealth of experience and credibility to the table.
Lord Houghton, one of the most senior and respected figures in UK defence history, has had a military career spanning over four decades. He served as Chief of the Defence Staff from 2013 to 2016, the highest military advisor to the UK Prime Minister and Defence Secretary. During his tenure, he oversaw the conclusion of combat operations in Afghanistan and steered the UK's strategic defence posture during a period of global instability.
Throughout his career, Lord Houghton led British and allied forces in operations in Northern Ireland, Iraq, Afghanistan, and navigated major crises from 9/11 to the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review. His leadership was instrumental in securing the 2% GDP financial settlement for defence in the 2015 SDSR.
James Norwood, the current chairman of Defence Holdings, will step into the role of deputy chairman, focusing on governance, shareholder engagement, and long-term growth. Norwood emphasized Defence Holdings' commitment to building not just another defence company, but the next-generation platform for sovereign capability.
In his new role, Lord Houghton expressed excitement about Defence Holdings' potential to deliver on the outcomes of the emerging Defence Industrial Strategy. He believes that Defence Holdings has the mindset, culture, and expertise to deliver the most significant capability aspiration of the recent Strategic Defence Review.
The news comes less than a month after the London-based firm appointed Andrew McCartney as its CTO. McCartney, the co-founder of Whitespace and former Microsoft Ventures UK CEO, brings a wealth of technology and leadership experience to Defence Holdings.
Lord Houghton has been awarded Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (GCB), Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), and the US Legion of Merit for his service. Since being elevated to the House of Lords in 2017, he has served as a crossbench peer and member of the International Relations and Defence Committee.
With Lord Houghton at the helm, Defence Holdings has outlined a five-year strategy to deliver sovereign digital capabilities across national security, resilience, and defence readiness. Lord Houghton's leadership experience, strategic acumen, and credibility at the highest levels of government and military command will be transformational for Defence Holdings.
This appointment marks a significant step forward for Defence Holdings, as they continue to establish themselves as a leader in the defence industry. Lord Houghton's appointment follows a series of strategic hires, including that of Andrew McCartney as CTO, further strengthening Defence Holdings' position in the market.
Read also:
- Industrial robots in China are being installed at a faster rate than in both the United States and the European Union, as the global market for these robots faces a downturn.
- Hyundai N affirms transition to hybrid performance-centric models, initiating with Tucson N
- EAFO Research Uncovers Crucial Elements in Electric Vehicle Adoption within the EU
- Stock markets in India anticipated a moderate opening, influenced by mixed signals from global markets.
