NATO Innovation Fund Architect Rob Murray adds expertise to panel
Rob Murray, a global authority on defence investment and the Chief Executive of the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank (DSRB) Development Group, has been confirmed as a speaker for a key panel at the upcoming Defence Procurement, Research, Technology & Exportability (DPRTE) event. Mr. Murray joins an exceptionally strong group of panellists for the session titled “Financing the Future of Defence”, which is positioned as a must-hear session on the Keynote Agenda for Day One. His inclusion brings a formidable depth of experience in mobilising private capital for national security and will provide delegates with critical insights into the evolving financial landscape of the defence sector.
Mr. Murray is a highly influential figure in the defence innovation ecosystem, best known as the founding architect of both the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) and the NATO Innovation Fund. These initiatives have fundamentally reshaped how allied nations approach investment in dual-use capabilities. His expertise was cultivated over nearly a decade in NATO’s Defence Investment team, where he worked directly with National Armaments Directors and ultimately served as the Alliance’s first Head of Innovation. He has also held the position of Chief Innovation Officer at Saab and is a fellow at both MIT and Imperial College London. This extensive background provides him with a unique perspective on bridging the gap between public sector requirements and private sector investment.
The panel promises a comprehensive and high-level discussion, with Mr. Murray joining a powerful line-up of senior leaders. The other confirmed speakers are Sherin Aminossehe, Director of Growth & Missions at the Ministry of Defence; Kevin Craven, Chief Executive of ADS Group; Lisa Quest, Partner and Head of UK Public Sector at Oliver Wyman and John Godfrey, Managing Director of TheCityUK. This composition ensures a multifaceted discussion, drawing on perspectives from government, industry trade bodies, strategic consultancy, and the UK’s financial services sector.
The session will explore how strategic investment can shape a more innovative, resilient, and sustainable defence sector. The discussion will directly address core themes from UK Ministry of Defence strategy, including the alignment of defence funding with the Strategic Defence Review and the Defence Industrial Strategy. Panellists will examine mechanisms for funding innovation and deterrence through enhanced industry partnerships, explore new commercial models, and discuss methods for strengthening financial resilience across major defence programmes. For businesses in the defence supply chain, this session represents an invaluable opportunity to understand the future direction of defence financing and investment priorities.
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Post written by: Vicky Maggiani
Vicky has worked in media for over 25 years and has a wealth of experience in editing and creating copy for a variety of sectors.
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