BMT Defence Services, a subsidiary of BMT Group, has announced the appointment of Muir Macdonald as its new managing director.

Muir joins BMT Defence Services from the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), where his most recent appointment was as the director general air support. A member of the Royal Corps of Naval Constructors, he brings with him experience of working on a long list of high profile ship, submarine and aircraft procurement and support projects.

Commenting on his appointment, Muir said: “I am delighted to be joining BMT Defence Services as the new managing director. BMT Defence Services is renowned as a highly professional and innovative company within an extraordinarily exciting international group. I look forward to developing the company’s capabilities and ensuring its excellent reputation continues to grow.”

Peter French, chief executive of BMT Group said: “Muir’s appointment as managing director of BMT Defence Services is a demonstration that BMT is attracting the best talent to its leadership team. BMT Defence Services is one of the most dynamic companies in the global defence engineering sector. Muir’s appointment symbolises BMT’s future ambition in defence and our continued investment in growth. Muir brings unique experience to his new role. I look forward to welcoming him to the BMT group and working closely with him.”

A fellow of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects and a chartered engineer, Muir has a Master’s degree in naval architecture and studied submarine design at University College London and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He undertook an 18-month secondment at BMT Defence Services from March 2006, during which time he was director of naval business.

Muir Macdonald will assume the role of managing director for BMT Defence Services on 29 September 2008, succeeding Roger Cooper. Roger will continue to work with BMT as head of division for the defence sector.