Aitkenhead leaves Dstl chief executive role

After three years leading the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, chief executive Gary Aitkenhead is taking on a new role with a global technology company.

Aitkenhead has overseen the organisation’s response to the Novichok incident, its support to combat coronavirus, and its wider work to improve defence and security through innovative technologies.

Dstl’s Chief Operating Officer Doug Umbers is stepping into the chief executive role while a successor is sought.