Sir Simon Bollom promoted as chief executive of DE&S

Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) has appointed Sir Simon Bollom as its new chief executive.

Mr Bollom has held the role of chief of materiel (ships) in DE&S since April 2017 and will take up his new post from May 21st, following an external recruitment competition.

Reacting to his appointment, Mr Bollom said he was absolutely delighted to have secured the hugely important role.

“The work of DE&S is vital to our nation and I am proud to have been given the opportunity to lead such an important organisation,” he commented.

Defence secretary Gavin Williamson revealed that he was looking forward to working with Mr Bollom on the organisation’s important task of driving performance in the supply chain, building capability to support Britain’s armed forces and delivering value for the taxpayer.

Paul Skinner, chair of DE&S, added that Mr Bollom already has great experience in delivering equipment and equipment support, and thanked Michael Bradley for overseeing DE&S since January, following Tony Douglas’ departure.

DE&S is a bespoke trading entity and an arm’s length body of the Ministry of Defence. It manages a vast range of complex projects to buy and support all the equipment and services that the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force need to operate effectively.