A new secretary and chief executive of the Ministry of Defence has been announced, with Brook Barrington stepping into the role.
Acting Public Service Commissioner Heather Baggott announced Barrington's appointment on Wednesday.
“He is a seasoned public service leader with extensive experience in the national security and international relations sectors,” Baggott said.
Barrington’s past as a diplomat would bring a “strong international perspective” to the Ministry, she added.
In his new role, he'll be the Government’s top civilian advisor on defence capabilities, protection of our defence interests, and on emerging issues.
He will also advise the Government on policy, deployments, engagements, upgrades, and procurement, while also working alongside the Chief of Defence Force and the NZDF itself to help with advice to ministers.
Barrington's latest promotion follows a string of top public sector roles in recent years.
He did a four-year stint as acting secretary and chief executive of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), which ended in 2019.
On top of that, he was also a former secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) and deputy secretary of the Defence Ministry, among other security roles.
“Mr Barrington has a demonstrated track record of building strong and effective relationships, including with ministers," Baggott said.
He holds a PhD in history from Waipapa Taumata Rau/University of Auckland.
He'll begin his five-year term on July 1.
