Pentagon CTO to oversee Defense Innovation Unit following Beck’s exit

Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Emil Michael will lead the Defense Innovation Unit in an acting capacity following former director Doug Beck’s resignation Monday.

The Pentagon confirmed the personnel change in a statement to Defense News, adding that Michael Dodd, assistant secretary of defense for critical technologies, will serve as acting deputy director of the commercial innovation hub.

“Together, both are laser-focused on driving innovation and enhancing the department’s ability to deliver groundbreaking commercial technologies to empower the American warfighter,” the spokesperson said.

Beck’s resignation follows more than two years in the DIU director role, where he oversaw the organization’s transition from a small, largely experimental office to one focus