New Head for the Defence and Security Accelerator

Anita Friend comes from the Home Office where she was responsible for increasing our resilience to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive attacks. Accepting the role she said:

I am really excited to be taking on this role. DASA’s mission of maintaining strategic advantage over adversaries by innovating is one I’m passionate about delivering. I have seen first-hand the step-change that innovation can bring in keeping the nation safe and I firmly believe in the benefits of having diversity of thought as well as a collaborative approach.

Welcoming Anita, Director Defence Innovation Clare Cameron said:

I am delighted that Anita has taken on this role. She will bring a wealth of experience to help DASA reach out across industry and academia and bring solutions to help protect the defence and security of the UK.

She went on to thank the outgoing Head of DASA, Lucy Mason, for leading the organisation over the past two years:

Lucy has provided fantastic leadership to the DASA team since its infancy, helping it expand its remit and provide funding of more than £58m to suppliers. I wish her very well in her new role and thank her for helping DASA become such an integral part of defence and security innovation.

Anita will be starting as Head DASA in September.