The European Defence Agency, the integrator of the European Union’s Common Security and Defence Policy among member states, said it has appointed Nathalie Guichard as research, technology and innovation director.
Guichard’s EDA role includes running the Hub for EU Defence Innovation tasked with advancing cooperation on defense modernization among union members. The HEDI directorate works with the European Commission to accomplish its functions while also taking initiatives to ensure that EU innovation policies match those of NATO.
Expressing delight on her EDA appointment, Guichard noted that it comes at a “critical time” when innovation is crucial for the EU armed forces and efforts coordinated with the private sector can provide the technological superiority that the union members need.
A brigadier general and military engineer, Guichard brings to EDA more than 10 years of experience at the French Ministry of Defence, according to her LinkedIn profile. Her roles in the ministry included manufacturing and support manager for the Dassault jetfighter Rafale.
EDA also cited Guichard’s past work experience at the aeronautical programs office of French procurement agency DGA and as information technology adviser of the Auvergne regional prefect.
Guichard, who holds a master’s degree in public management, graduated from France’s École polytechnique and Institut Supérieur de l’Aéronautique et de l’Espace.