Defence Holdings PLC (ALRT)

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Defence Holdings shares jump after finding new CEO

Defence Holdings shares jump after finding new CEO 2025-12-24T14:18:22+0000

(Alliance News) - Defence Holdings PLC on Wednesday said it has agreed the appointment of a new chief executive officer, marking a key step as the defence technology group shifts from capability development toward commercial delivery.

Shares in Defence Holdings closed 17% higher at 1.98 pence in London on Wednesday.

The London-based defence technology firm did not disclose the name of the incoming CEO, citing contractual and disclosure restrictions.

It said the appointee is expected to formally take up the role in early second quarter of 2026, following completion of notice period obligations and regulatory checks.

Defence Holdings said the appointment follows the conclusion of a comprehensive and targeted recruitment process, which had been flagged in a recent operational update and was originally expected to conclude in January.

The company said the incoming chief executive brings senior leadership experience across defence, national security and government-aligned technology environments, alongside a track record in scaling operations and driving revenue growth.

The appointee has also led large, multi-disciplinary teams delivering complex technology and infrastructure programmes within highly regulated and security-sensitive frameworks, and has experience across mergers, acquisitions and business transformation.

Defence Holdings said the appointment strengthens its executive capability as it transitions into sustained delivery and commercial execution across its sovereign artificial intelligence and mission-critical defence software programmes.

Chief Technology Officer Andy McCartney said the board was "delighted" to have reached agreement following a competitive search process, adding that the new chief executive brings "deep experience leading complex, defence-aligned organisations through delivery and scale".

By Eva Castanedo, Alliance News reporter

Comments and questions to newsroom@alliancenews.com

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