Vice Admiral Sir Chris Gardner KBE, the SDA’s new CEO
On September 3, 2022, Vice Admiral Sir Chris Gardner KBE will succeed Ian Booth, whose five-year term as CEO of the SDA expires.
The SDA was founded in April 2018 as an executive agency of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to oversee the acquisition, maintenance, and disposal of UK nuclear submarines.
Vice Admiral Sir Chris will assume this crucial position within the defence industry and make ensuring the SDA continues to securely provide accessible, competent, and dependable in-service submarines and equipment in order to support the Defence Nuclear Enterprise and Continuous At Sea Deterrent.
The SDA CEO will direct the design and construction of all new UK submarines, including the Astute Class, the Dreadnought Class, and the development of the next generation attack submarine concept, on behalf of the Director General Nuclear and the First Sea Lord.
They will also oversee the daily support and maintenance operations of the Trafalgar, Astute, and Vanguard Class submarines.
Incoming CEO of the SDA Vice Admiral Sir Chris Gardner KBE said:
“I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed as the new CEO of the SDA. I am looking forward to working with my new team on this area of vital Defence interest and continuing to deliver for the Royal Navy. Best of all, I am really looking forward to returning to my submarine roots.”
After beginning his career as a Royal Navy Logistics Officer, Vice Admiral Sir Chris moved on to fill a number of positions, including those of Military Assistant to the Director General of Fleet Support and Commander Logistics aboard HMS ARK ROYAL.
He was promoted to Vice Admiral in 2019 after achieving the rank of Commodore, at which time he was named the Royal Navy’s lead for the purchase and in-service support of the surface fleet by Defence Equipment and Support.
He also assumed the role of Head of Capability Improvement in the MOD.
Director General Defence Nuclear Vanessa Nicholls said:
“I am delighted to welcome Vice Admiral Sir Chris Gardner KBE to the Defence Nuclear Enterprise as the new CEO of the SDA. He brings a wealth of operational experience to the role at a pivotal time for the UK Submarine Programme. I look forward to working with him.”
Vice Admiral Sir Chris’ post was up for grabs early this year.
The Civil Service Commissioner oversaw the hiring process for the position, as he does with all senior Civil Service appointments, to guarantee a fair and transparent hiring process.