LONDON, Aug. 19 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:
Dan Rodenhurst has been appointed as the new Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO), leading all of the MOD's digital and data teams.
In this role Dan willlead delivery ofthedigital, data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) ambitions set out in the Defence Investment Plan. Thisincludesmaximisinga£5.5 billioninvestment into the MOD's 'Digital Backbone',£1.8 billion into the digital targeting web and over£200 million intoAIcapabilities.
JoiningDefence with more than 25 years' experience across the security and defence sector, Dan is well placed to succeed. He has led large-scale technology,cloudand digital transformation programmes in both the public and private sectors, including teams delivering technical operations, classified cloud, AIplatformsand multi-agency servicesinmission-critical environments.
Soon to be leadingDefence'sdigital anddatateams, he willberesponsible forensuring a coherent approach to data,AIand digital integrationacross UK Defence.This includesusingthemajor investmentsprovided by the DIP tostrengthen Defence's digital foundations and enhance operational effectiveness,such as the£100 million investment to support Project FRONTIER AI-providingan enduring route for decision-support applications across Defence.
Dan's AI teams will also be at the technological spearhead in developing the Defence AI Centre (DAIC) and Taskforce RAID. The DAIC, set up as the MOD's centre for AI delivery, is complemented by the mobilisation of Taskforce RAID, which aims to effect genuine change and battlefield advantage for thewarfighteron the ground.
In September,Dan willbecomea Director General within the National Armaments Director(NAD)Group-thearea of Defenceresponsible for developing, delivering, sustaining,housingand harbouring the UK's'national arsenal'and defence estate.As such,he willleadmore than 3,000 digital, data, cyber and technology specialists across Defence.
National Armaments Director Rupert Pearce said:
I am delighted to welcome Dan into the NAD Group as the MOD's new Chief Digital and Information Officer. He brings exceptional experience in leading large-scale digital transformation and will play a pivotal role in shaping how we harness digital,dataand AI to deliver system efficiencies and military advantage.
With the launch of the Defence Investment Plan, this is a vital leadership role at an important moment for Defence. I know Dan will help strengthen partnerships across Defence,governmentand industry as we continue to modernise our digital capabilities and deliver the ambitions of the Strategic Defence Review.
As a member of the Defence Executive Committee, Dan willalsowork withthe mostsenior leaders across Defence to provide advice and recommendations on digital and data capability.
Dan Rodenhurst,CDIOdesignate,said:
I am honoured to be joining Defence as Chief Digital and Information Officer at suchan important time. AI,digitaland data will be at the heart of how Defenceoperates, enabling better operations, fasterdecisionsand greater resilience.
I look forward to working with colleagues across Defence, government and industry to maximise the value of the Defence Investment Plan and deliver capabilities that make a real difference.
Dansucceeds CharlesForte, who retiredas the Defence CDIOin June aftereightyearsin post.Claire Frywasappointedinterim CDIOinJuneandwillcontinueuntilDan takes up the rolein September.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
