Defence Holdings PLC has announced the appointment of Field Marshal Lord Houghton of Richmond as its new Non-Executive Chairman, effective October 1, 2025.
As part of the leadership transition, James Norwood will move into the role of Deputy Chairman, supporting Lord Houghton as the company advances its strategic objectives.
In connection with his appointment, Lord Houghton has been granted 48,663,062 warrants over ordinary shares in the company. The warrants are exercisable at £0.0145 per share, which matches the closing price from the most recent trading day, and will remain valid for a period of five years.
The warrants will vest under Defence Holdings’ standard vesting schedule, aligning Lord Houghton’s interests with those of shareholders as he takes on his new role.
Career Highlights:
● Former Chief of the Defence Staff (2013 – 2016) and one of the UK’s most senior military leaders of modern times.
● Promoted to Field Marshal in June 2025, the highest rank in the British Army, underscoring his unmatched standing in UK defence.
● Led UK and allied forces through Northern Ireland, Iraq, Afghanistan, and strategic crises from 9/11 to the 2015 SDSR.
● Awarded Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath, CBE, and the US Legion of Merit.
● Crossbench peer in the House of Lords and member of the International Relations and Defence Committee.
Lord Houghton is one of the United Kingdom’s most distinguished and senior military leaders of modern times. His career in the British Army spanned over four decades, culminating in his appointment as Chief of the Defence Staff (2013 – 2016), the professional head of the Armed Forces and principal military adviser to the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Defence. In June 2025, he was promoted to the honorary rank of Field Marshal, the highest rank in the British Army.
Over his career, Lord Houghton held command at every level and led UK and allied forces through some of the most complex and consequential operations of the past half-century. As Chief of the Defence Staff, he oversaw the successful conclusion of combat operations in Afghanistan, steered the UK’s strategic defence posture during an era of global instability, and was the prime military architect of the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review, securing the 2% GDP financial settlement for UK defence.
His earlier leadership roles included:
● Vice Chief of the Defence Staff (2009-2013) – where he was central to reforming the Ministry of Defence and shaping Joint Forces Command.
● Chief of Joint Operations (2006-2009) – responsible for simultaneous deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, including planning and executing the UK withdrawal from Basra.
● Deputy Commanding General of Multi-National Force-Iraq (2005-2006) – during one of the most volatile phases of the conflict.
● Director of Military Operations (1999-2002) – overseeing the UK’s initial response to 9/11, the first deployments to Afghanistan, the successful Sierra Leone campaign, and the military response to the UK’s Foot and Mouth Disease crisis.
● Commander, 39 Infantry Brigade, Northern Ireland – during the peace process that led to the Good Friday Agreement.
For his service, Lord Houghton has been awarded some of the UK’s highest honours, including Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (GCB) and Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), as well as international recognition such as the United States Legion of Merit. He was elevated to the House of Lords as a life peer in 2017, where he continues to serve as a crossbencher on the International Relations and Defence Committee.
About Defence Holdings PLC (ALRT)
Defence Holdings PLC (LSE: ALRT) is the UK’s first listed software-led defence company. Its five-year strategic plan focuses on delivering sovereign digital capabilities across national security, resilience, and defence readiness.
Media Enquiries
Brian Stockbridge, Director
Defence Holdings PLC
Tel: +44 (0)20 3855 5551 · Email: press@defenceplc.com
