Andy Lord Takes the Helm as Interim Chair of NAD Group Advisory Board

Andy Lord has been appointed as the Interim Chair of the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group Advisory Board, taking on this pivotal role as part of the Group’s ongoing efforts to refine its governance structure.

Currently serving as the Commissioner of Transport for London, Andy has a wealth of experience in delivering safe and reliable transport services across the capital. He joined Transport for London (TfL) in 2019, initially as the Managing Director of London Underground, before progressing to the role of Chief Operating Officer and ultimately being appointed as Commissioner. Throughout his career, he has occupied various senior positions, focusing on engineering, operations, and customer service.

Extensive Background in Defence and Industry

In addition to his transport commitments, Andy has also contributed to the defence sector, serving as a Non-Executive Director and Board member for Defence Equipment & Support from 2018 until earlier this year. His appointment as Interim Chair was made by Luke Pollard, the Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, and will remain in effect until April 30, 2027.

This appointment is crucial as the NAD Group aims to implement a streamlined and integrated governance model that enhances decision-making capabilities, clarifies accountability, and strengthens the management of performance and risk throughout the organisation.

Rupert Pearce, the National Armaments Director, expressed his enthusiasm regarding Andy’s appointment, stating, “I am delighted to welcome Andy as Interim Chair of the NAD Group Advisory Board. His extensive experience within our organisation, combined with his ability to lead large, complex entities, will be invaluable as we continue to develop the NAD Group into an integrated, mission-focused organisation.”

Focus on Strategic Oversight and Performance Management

The newly established Advisory Board is tasked with providing independent support and constructive challenge to both the NAD and its senior leadership. This will ensure that the Group operates effectively, managing its strategic aims, performance, and associated risks.

Upon assuming his new role, Andy remarked, “I am delighted to be appointed as the Interim Advisory Board Chair. I have witnessed the expertise and dedication present across the organisations within the NAD Group, and I recognise the crucial role they play in Defence. The current opportunity is to leverage these strengths, uniting expertise from across the Group to achieve even greater impact. I look forward to aiding the leadership team in their pursuit of integration, transformation, and operational excellence in support of our mission.”

Building a Supportive and Challenging Environment

The Advisory Board will provide a strategic perspective, assessing whether the organisation is progressing in the right direction and identifying areas where further support, challenge, or intervention may be necessary. This approach aligns with the NAD Group’s ambition to foster a high-support, high-challenge environment, empowering leaders to achieve results while remaining accountable for their performance.

Alongside Andy, the Non-Executive Members (NEMs) of the NAD Group include Robert MacLeod, Tony Meggs, Tracy Sheedy, Carolyn Battersby, Claire Hawkings, and Sarah Albon. While the NEMs are not part of the executive management structure, their independence and diverse range of experiences significantly contribute to the Board’s effectiveness.

The Board will also be supported by three specialised committees focusing on nominations and remuneration, audit and risk assurance, and safety and security. Further details regarding the biographies of the NEMs are available in the provided documentation.

This appointment has been made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments, ensuring a transparent and robust selection process.