PA Consulting names Peter Lovell as Global Head of Defence and Security

UK origin advisory firm PA Consulting has appointed Peter Lovell as its Global Head of Defence and Security. Lovell arrives to lead PA’s defence and security services team across the UK, Europe and the US.

Threats to state security are constantly evolving, be it in the shape of military, cyber or terror threats. As such, defence and security organisations must evolve to meet them. PA Consulting helps government organisations and police forces reshape and reorganise to counter challenges to national security, as well as helping aerospace, defence and security businesses anticipate and meet their clients’ needs. This work includes ensuring the armed forces have enough people with the right skills; addressing how the technology, people, organisational and cultural aspects of change impact the sector; and promoting innovation to maintain operational advantage.

For the last four years, the firm’s defence and security wing has been helmed by Alan Lewis. Having been with PA for 16 years, Lewis led the firm’s security practice to a number of firsts – including becoming one of the founding partners of the Women in Defence Awards. Now, though, Lewis has stepped down from the role.

PA CEO Ken Toombs said of Lewis, “I would like to thank Alan for his inspiring leadership over the years: his passion for supporting the group, development of our people and building a more inclusive culture. He has played an important role in helping to establish PA as a leader in the industry.”

In Lewis’ place, Peter Lovell will now lead the defence and security practice on a global level. Having acquired 20 years of experience in the defence and security sector, Lovell joined PA eight years ago as a Principal Consultant, before progressing to Partner.

Toombs added, “We’re delighted to announce Peter Lovell as PA’s Global Head of Defence and Security. During his career at PA, Peter has shown a real desire to grasp each client challenge and create innovative and pragmatic solutions. Peter has been a key driver in creating opportunities for our people, helping them to seek out and learn from experiences through client work. Peter has the right attributes to lead the defence and security business to even greater success.”

PA believes Lovell is ideally positioned to help clients with corporate strategy and transformation in both the private and public sector, and prior to PA, he was a civil servant at the UK’s Ministry of Defence. Earlier, he also spent five years building a start-up consultancy focused on digital transformation in the sector.

Speaking on his promotion, Lovell stated, “I am delighted to take on this role to lead a thriving team and feel honoured to be following in Alan’s footsteps. The sector is evolving quickly to keep up with a rapidly changing global security environment. It is a challenging and exciting time for everyone involved. I look forward to reinforcing PA’s market leading reputation in the sector and working closely with our clients as they confront the many challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”