New DPA chief named

New DPA chief named

Sir Peter Spencer is married and lives in Somerset

The Vice Admiral of the Royal Navy, Sir Peter Spencer KCB, has been named as the new leader of the Bristol-based Defence Procurement Agency (DPA).

The organisation buys combat equipment and support services for the armed forces.

Sir Peter will take up his new appointment as chief of defence procurement and chief executive of the DPA, based at Abbey Wood, Bristol, on 1 May.

He takes over from Sir Robert Walmsley KCB, who is retiring.

£6bn budget

Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon said: "I am confident that Sir Peter will bring his own perspective from his extensive background in procurement.

"I have no doubt that Sir Peter will bring this experience to bear in building on the significant improvements that Sir Robert has introduced, so that we can continue to develop new and better ways to equip our armed forces."

The DPA has an annual budget of about £6bn and employs 4,300 military and civilian personnel.

Sir Peter joins the DPA following his retirement as Vice Admiral.

He and his wife Lisa have four children and live in Somerset.