LONDON: Defence Holdings PLC (LSE: ALRT), the UK’s first listed software-led defence company, has appointed Andrew McCartney as Chief Technology Officer, effective immediately.
McCartney, a veteran of sovereign AI infrastructure, co-founded Whitespace, a deep-tech firm delivering generative AI capabilities to defence and public sector clients. He previously served as the inaugural CEO of Microsoft Ventures UK, where he launched the company’s first global innovation hub outside the United States.
The appointment follows Defence Holdings’ strategic partnership with Whitespace to co-develop sovereign AI applications for national security. As CTO, McCartney will lead the design and deployment of the company’s AI product stack, aimed at transforming defence capabilities across UK and allied domains.
“Andrew has spent a decade building the capabilities that modern defence actually needs—resilient, deployable, sovereign AI infrastructure,” said James Norwood, Chairman of Defence Holdings. “His appointment sends a clear message: Defence Holdings isn’t here to observe the future of defence, we’re here to build it.”
McCartney’s leadership at Whitespace saw the delivery of AI platforms supporting live Ministry of Defence operations, integration into national security networks, and participation in the UK MoD’s “Engine for Growth” programme.
Defence Holdings said McCartney’s appointment is the first in a series of senior hires as the company executes its five-year strategy to become a leading provider of sovereign digital defence capabilities.