The Ministry of Defence has named Tony Douglas as the first chief executive of Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S).
Douglas will replace Bernard Gray who led DE&S as part of his role of chief of defence materiel.
The current chief executive officer of Abu Dhabi Airports is expected to take up the role in September 2015, when he will start a handover process.
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Gray will continue to lead DE&S until the handover is completed and is expected to stand down at the end of the year.
As chief executive, Douglas will be responsible for the procurement and maintenance of Army equipment, and is accountable to parliament for the annual running costs of the department.
Defence secretary Michael Fallon said: “I am delighted to welcome Tony Douglas into the role. He brings a wealth of international experience and expertise in project and programme management, organisational leadership and business strategy, which will prove invaluable for the future of DE&S and defence as a whole.
Commenting on his new role, Douglas said: “I am absolutely delighted to have the privilege of serving my country and supporting Her Majesty’s Armed Forces.
“Delivering their requirements with the utmost service quality and providing best value to the taxpayer is a responsibility that I take with real pride.”