Major General James Swift Appointed New Chief Of Defence People

Major General James Swift has been appointed the next Chief of Defence People (CDP).

Her Majesty the Queen approved Maj Gen Swift's appointment on Thursday.

"I look forward to working with my team, building on the great work of the department, to help make a difference for people across Defence," Maj Gen Swift said.

The CDP sits on the Ministry of Defence's executive committee and sets the strategy for developing both military and civilian workforce.

He will be responsible for people in defence, including 200,000 service personnel and 60,000 civil servants.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: "Major General Swift brings broad experience and a rich perspective to the job, I know he will continue the excellent work of the department for all Defence People."

He will take over from Lieutenant General Richard Nugee as CDP in late February.

Since December 2018 Maj Gen Swift has been General Officer Commanding of the British Army’s high-readiness warfighting division.

He has previous experience as the Assistant Chief of the General Staff (ACGS) leading on corporate strategy.

Prior to this, he was the Ministry of Defence’s Head of Capability Strategy, for the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review.

Cover image: Major General James Swift (Picture: British Army).