Damian has been Director General Strategy and International since August 2021. In his previous role as Director of Industrial Strategy and Exports, he was responsible for the successful delivery of the Defence & Security Industrial Strategy. He also oversaw work on the Overseas Operations Bill, which became an Act of Parliament in May 2021.

Damian has served as Chief of Staff to four Secretaries of State and worked at the Permanent Joint HQ as Chief of Staff Policy and Finance, where he was responsible for the generation and development of policy and financial advice to the Chief Joint Operations, ministers and senior staff in MOD. 

Damian attended the Royal College of Defence Studies in 2013-14, prior to which he was a civilian Head in the Operations Directorate covering a broad range of operational policy issues.  Damian has significant experience across a broad range of posts in Defence and security since 1990, including two years seconded to FCO Security Policy. He has a Masters Degree in International Security and Strategic Leadership from Kings College London, and a degree in International Politics and Strategic Studies, from UCW Aberystwyth.  Damian is married with three children and is Black belt 2^nd Dan in Karate.