National Armaments Director Appoints New Chief Financial Officer

Homeland September 8, 2026

Ian Brimicombe has been appointed Chief Financial Officer of the National Armaments Director Group, taking up the role on 7 September 2026. He succeeds David Johnson, who retires at the end of November after 37 years in the Ministry of Defence.

The National Armaments Director (NAD) has appointed Ian Brimicombe as Chief Financial Officer for the NAD Group, effective 7 September 2026. Brimicombe brings more than 40 years of finance leadership experience across professional services, global pharmaceuticals and luxury retail. He will join the NAD Group Executive Committee and oversee the finance function supporting the Group’s delivery of the Defence Investment Plan and the UK’s national arsenal and defence estate capabilities.

Career Background and Experience

Brimicombe studied at King’s College London and qualified as an accountant and tax specialist at Coopers and Lybrand, now PwC. He spent over 20 years in senior finance roles at AstraZeneca, progressing through audit, tax and corporate finance functions. He subsequently joined Burberry, where he spent nearly seven years supporting finance and business transformation, including steering the organisation through the COVID-19 pandemic and leading refinancing activities. Most recently, he served as CFO at Abercrombie & Kent Group.

Strategic Role in Defence Finance

As CFO, Brimicombe will lead the NAD Group’s finance professionals in supporting teams responsible for developing, delivering, sustaining, housing and harbouring UK defence capabilities. His appointment comes as Defence continues its transformation, with an emphasis on driving greater efficiency into its systems.

Brimicombe said: “I’m delighted to be joining the National Armaments Director Group as Chief Financial Officer. Having spent my career in the private sector, I’m excited by the opportunity to bring that experience to the Ministry of Defence at such an important time for the organisation, for defence and for the UK. I look forward to working with the team to build on its foundations and support its future growth and success.”

Rupert Pearce, National Armaments Director, commented: “I am delighted to welcome Ian to the NAD Group. He brings with him a wealth of experience from the high-tech world of pharmaceuticals and the fast-paced retail arena. As UK Defence continues its transformation, and we look to drive greater efficiency into our systems, these are skills we really value.”

Departure of Outgoing CFO

Brimicombe succeeds David Johnson, who retires at the end of November. Pearce noted that Johnson “leaves an exceptional legacy as our first Group Finance Director. He has been a stalwart member of the MOD for 37 years. His professionalism, rigour and sharp eye for detail have helped make our armed forces and country more secure.”

For the UK Defence Supply Chain

The appointment signals NAD Group’s focus on financial rigour and efficiency as the Defence Investment Plan is executed and capability priorities shift. The emphasis on private-sector commercial disciplines—evident in the CFO role profile—suggests that NAD Group’s finance function will increasingly scrutinise supplier delivery, cost performance and programme governance. Contractors and systems integrators working on NAD Group projects should expect heightened attention to financial controls, milestone delivery, and value-for-money demonstration. Evidence of robust programme management, financial transparency, audited accounts, and ability to meet strict payment and performance terms will become more critical to competitive advantage. This reflects the wider MOD drive to improve financial stewardship and efficiency across the defence estate while sustaining sovereign capability.