Succession plan sees Blood promoted at Datong

SURVEILLANCE firm Datong today announced the appointment of a new chief executive.

Dean Blood, who was appointed to Datong’s board as chief operating officer last September and has been responsible for the day to day running of the business since that time, has taken up the position with immediate effect. 

Mr Blood replaces Brian Smith who has decided to relinquish his role earlier than originally planned. 

Mr Smith will remain with the Leeds-based group, which designs and makes equipment used by international security organisations to track drug dealers and terrorist suspects, as executive deputy chairman.

Mr Blood, formerly at Rolls-Royce where he led supply chain growth strategies in both its global marine and civil sector supply chain operations, was recruited by Datong as part of a succession plan.

Datong said it recognised “the significant contribution” made by Mr Smith “who has successfully led the group through a period of substantial growth and development over the last 11 years”.

Chairman Paul Lever said: “We are delighted to promote Dean to chief executive. He has made a considerable mark on the business since joining Datong in 2008 and is well equipped to take the business through to the next stage.

“Furthermore we are delighted to retain Brian’s phenomenal business and industry knowledge in his new role which will be key for the group going forward.”