Dstl Chief Executive Gary Aitkenhead Steps Down

The Chief Executive of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is stepping down.

Gary Aitkenhead is to take up a new role with a global technology company.

Chief Operating Officer Doug Umbers will be acting Chief Executive until a permanent replacement is found.

"Gary has led and overseen a number of high-profile activities during his time at Dstl, and we wish him well in his next venture," Mr Umbers said.

"I am looking forward to leading Dstl's world-class experts to deliver cutting-edge science and technology."

Mr Aitkenhead spent the past three years leading Dstl, overseeing the organisation's response to the 2018 Novichok poisonings and the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also oversaw Dstl's wider work to deliver the science inside defence and security.