The Prime Minister has approved the appointment of Andy Start as the new Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) CEO
Andy 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.
Andy 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:
Andy 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 said:
MOD Permanent Secretary, David Williams said:
The competition for Sir Simon’s position was launched in late 2021, attracting strong interest. Over 50 individuals applied and, as with all senior civil service appointments, fair and open competition was ensured, with recruitment of the role being overseen by the Civil Service Commissioner.