Ian Brimicombe brings over four decades of financial leadership experience across professional services, global pharmaceuticals, and luxury retail to the NAD Group.
As CFO, Ian will join the NAD Group Executive Committee and play a crucial role in delivering the Defence Investment Plan (DIP), responding to Defence’s evolving capability priorities. Under his leadership, the Group’s finance professionals will support NAD teams responsible for developing, delivering, sustaining, housing, and harbouring the UK’s ‘national arsenal’ and defence estate.
Ian has a proven track record of designing strategic financial solutions and enhancing organisational performance across FTSE 100 and private international companies, successfully addressing complex financial challenges for major corporations.
Commenting on his appointment, Ian Brimicombe said:
I’m delighted to be joining the National Armaments Director Group as Chief Financial Officer. Having spent my career in the private sector, I’m excited by the opportunity to bring that experience to the Ministry of Defence at such an important time for the organisation, for defence and for the UK. I look forward to working with the team to build on its foundations and support its future growth and success.
Following his graduation from King’s College London, Ian completed his accountancy and tax qualifications at Coopers and Lybrand (now PwC). After establishing a strong technical foundation in audit, tax, and corporate finance, he transitioned to the pharmaceutical industry, joining what later became AstraZeneca, where he spent over 20 years in progressively senior leadership positions.
Ian subsequently joined renowned British fashion house Burberry, where he spent nearly seven years supporting finance and business transformation initiatives, including steering the organisation through the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic and leading refinancing activities. Most recently he served as CFO at Abercrombie & Kent Group.
Rupert Pearce, National Armaments Director, said:
I am delighted to welcome Ian to the NAD Group. He brings with him a wealth of experience from the high-tech pharmaceutical sector and the fast-paced retail arena. As UK Defence continues its transformation, and we look to drive greater efficiency into our systems, these are skills we really value.
David Johnson, who retires this Autumn, leaves an exceptional legacy as our first Group Finance Director. He has been a stalwart member of the MOD for 37 years. His professionalism, rigour and sharp eye for detail have helped make our armed forces and country more secure. We wish him all the best for his retirement.
Ian will join the NAD Group on 7 September 2026, succeeding David Johnson who retires at the end of November.