NAD Group Welcomes New Chief Digital and Information Officer to Drive Innovation

Dan Rodenhurst has been appointed as the new Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO) of the Ministry of Defence (MOD), overseeing the organisation’s digital and data teams. In this capacity, Dan will spearhead the implementation of the digital, data, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) objectives outlined in the Defence Investment Plan.

This ambitious plan includes a significant £5.5 billion investment in the MOD’s ‘Digital Backbone’, £1.8 billion allocated for the digital targeting network, and over £200 million dedicated to enhancing AI capabilities. Dan is set to play a crucial role in maximising these investments to ensure the MOD meets its strategic goals.

Extensive Experience in Defence and Security

Bringing over 25 years of experience within the security and defence sectors, Dan is exceptionally well-equipped for this role. His previous work includes leading substantial technology, cloud, and digital transformation initiatives across both public and private sectors. His expertise encompasses managing teams responsible for technical operations, classified cloud services, AI platforms, and multi-agency solutions in mission-critical settings.

As the new head of Defence’s digital and data teams, Dan will focus on fostering a cohesive strategy for data, AI, and digital integration throughout UK Defence. Leveraging the substantial financial commitments outlined in the Defence Investment Plan, he aims to bolster Defence’s digital infrastructure and enhance its operational capabilities. This includes a £100 million investment aimed at supporting Project FRONTIER AI, which provides a sustainable pathway for decision-support applications across the Defence landscape.

Pioneering AI Initiatives

Dan’s teams will also be at the cutting edge of technological advancements, particularly in the development of the Defence AI Centre (DAIC) and Taskforce RAID. The DAIC serves as the MOD’s central hub for AI initiatives, while Taskforce RAID is mobilised to deliver transformative changes and battlefield advantages for personnel on the ground.

In September, Dan will transition to a Director General role within the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group, which is responsible for the development, delivery, and maintenance of the UK’s national arsenal and defence estate. In this position, he will lead a team of over 3,000 specialists in digital, data, cyber, and technology across Defence.

Leadership Endorsements

Rupert Pearce, the National Armaments Director, expressed his enthusiasm regarding Dan’s appointment, stating, “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, data, and AI to deliver system efficiencies and military advantage.”

He further emphasised the importance of this leadership role at a critical juncture for Defence, confident that Dan will enhance partnerships across Defence, government, and industry while advancing digital capabilities in line with the ambitions of the Strategic Defence Review.

Vision for the Future

As a member of the Defence Executive Committee, Dan will collaborate with senior leaders across Defence, offering insights and recommendations on digital and data capabilities. Upon his appointment, Dan remarked, “I am honoured to be joining Defence as Chief Digital and Information Officer at such an important time. AI, digital, and data will be at the heart of how Defence operates, enabling better operations, faster decisions, and greater resilience.”

He expressed eagerness to work alongside colleagues in Defence, government, and industry to optimise the Defence Investment Plan and deliver impactful capabilities.

Dan succeeds Charles Forte, who retired as the Defence CDIO in June after eight years of service. Claire Fry has been appointed as the interim CDIO and will continue in this role until Dan officially assumes his responsibilities in September.