QinetiQ hires Andrews as CEO

Defense and security company QinetiQ Group plc has appointed Duane Andrews as chief executive officer of its North American operations.

Andrews, who started in the position yesterday, replaced Phil Odeen.

Andrews had been chief operations officer at Science Applications International Corp. of San Diego until he retired in April. Before joining SAIC in 1993, he was assistant secretary of defense for command, control, communications and intelligence at the Defense Department.

Andrews also served on various U.S. national security advisory groups and was a professional staffer with the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

Graham Love, QinetiQ's chief executive officer, said Andrews will help take the company to the next level.

"His extensive experience of developing business with the U.S. government will be invaluable as he implements QinetiQ's growth strategy, working with our existing U.S. companies and exploring further acquisitions potential," Love said.

QinetiQ of Farnborough, United Kingdom has about 7,000 employees and had annual revenue of $1.2 billion in 2005.