News story

Chief of Defence Materiel role extended at DE&S

The MOD is pleased to announce that Bernard Gray has agreed to continue as the Chief of Defence Materiel until the end of 2015.

• From: Ministry of Defence, Defence Equipment and Support and The Rt Hon Sir Michael Fallon
• Published: 3 February 2015

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Bernard Gray

Mr Gray has completed his 4-year appointment as head of the MOD’s acquisition and support organisation, and the Secretary of State has asked him to continue so that he can take forward the current phase of reform, assist in the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) that will follow the general election, and enable a smooth transition to an incoming Chief Executive of Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S).

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said:

I am delighted that Bernard has accepted our offer to stay with the MOD for a further year to see through his work reforming Defence Equipment and Support.

His expertise and experience will also be invaluable in helping to shape the next SDSR expected later this year.

Chief of Defence Materiel Bernard Gray said:

I am thrilled to be asked to stay on at DE&S for a further year. Leading this great team is a huge privilege and we are making real progress in turning our business into a world class acquisition and support organisation.

This year we will see systematic changes that embed the improvements we have been working on for the last 4 years.

We will continue working on delivering existing programmes, improving support to the armed forces, and helping the MOD centre on the equipment aspects of the Defence Review, as well as driving Transformation.

It will be an exciting and busy year.

The process to appoint a chief executive to lead DE&S is nearing its conclusion. A further announcement will be made in due course.

Published 3 February 2015