Media Advisory
5 September 2008
Ministry Of Defence Announces Key Appointments
Two key appointments have been made in the Ministry of Defence.
Mr Des Ashton, formerly the General Manager of Safe Air Ltd, has been appointed Deputy Secretary for Acquisition and Dr
Brook Barrington, currently the New Zealand Ambassador to Thailand, as Deputy Secretary for Policy and Planning. The
appointments were announced today by the Secretary of Defence, Mr John McKinnon.
” Des Ashton is a highly qualified manager, chief executive and director. He brings to this key position a wealth of
experience from his time with Safe Air and as a senior manager with Air New Zealand”, Mr McKinnon said.
“Des’s early career in the RNZAF gives him an understanding of the challenges and opportunities that face the NZDF
today.
“He will be responsible, through me, to the Government for the effective and efficient management of the Crown’s
military procurement programme, of which there are seven major projects each worth over $100 million in a government
capital investment programme of around $4 billion.
“Des will be charged with ensuring that the contracted military capability is delivered as agreed with the contractor.
He will also negotiate new contracts once the New Zealand Government has approved proceeding to a new acquisition”, said
Mr McKinnon.
Dr Brook Barrington will be responsible for the formulation of advice on defence policy, including advice on New
Zealand’s strategic and security environment, and also on the capabilities required to meet the Government’s policy
objectives, Mr McKinnon continued.
“Brook has excellent qualifications for this position. Prior to his appointment in Bangkok he worked as the Foreign
Policy and Defence Adviser in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. His range of appointments fit well with his
new position”, Mr McKinnon said.
Mr Ashton will take up his position from October 1st of this year and Dr Barrington will join the Ministry of Defence in
2009.
ENDS