Lieutenant General Simon Hamilton CBE has now formally taken over as DE&S’ Director General (DG) Land after His Majesty King Charles III approved the appointment.

He joins DE&S from Army Headquarters, where he served as Director Programmes and Director Support since 2019.

Lt Gen Hamilton’s familiarity with DE&S goes back many years, having previously been Head Vehicle Support in our Land Equipment Operating Centre.

Lt Gen Hamilton said:

“Re-joining DE&S, this time as Director General Land, is a hugely exciting challenge. Not only do we deliver and support some of the most important vehicles, equipment, weapons and technology for Defence, but DE&S is also undergoing some fascinating business-wide change at the moment. DE&S has never been more relevant and it’s a great privilege to serve here.”

“Having provided a frontline perspective as part of the Operating Model redesign, I look forward to being in post as it frees up our teams to work smarter, faster and more collaboratively for the UK Armed Forces and our allies around the world.  Above all, I am looking forward to getting to know and leading so many talented and dedicated people united by a One Defence mindset.”

The DG Land role at DE&S is a crucial one, with overall responsibility for our Land Domain and overseeing numerous delivery programmes for UK Armed Forces, covering Land Equipment, Helicopters and Weapons.

DE&S CEO Andy Start said:

“Simon returns to DE&S with a wealth of knowledge and experience, including from his time on Operations with the British Army. On a personal note, I look forward to working closely with him over the coming months as we continue to mobilise our new Operating Model and play our part in protecting the nation and helping it prosper.”

Paying tribute to Chris Bushell’s four years of service as DG Land and as a member of the DE&S Executive Committee, Andy said: “Chris has been a vital part of my Exec team and I’m extremely grateful for the dedication and hard work he has given during his time in post.

“He has been a great asset to DE&S and led our colleagues in the Land Domain through some difficult times over the past few years. His absence will be felt across the organisation, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank him wholeheartedly for everything he has done to support DE&S and our Front-Line Commands during this time.”