Empowering the Future of Defense: Driving Leadership for a New Era
Amid shifting geopolitical realities and record levels of defense investment, a new kind of leadership is in demand, one capable of steering innovation, resilience, and growth on a global scale.
Job Voorhoeve, Partner at Amrop’s Amsterdam office and a leading member of Amrop’s Global Defense and Global Digital Practices, draws on extensive international experience across Digital, Cloud, Artificial Intelligence, Agile Transformation, and Cybersecurity - spanning Europe, Asia, the US, the Middle East, and Africa.
“The defense sector is enormous, with significant investments flowing into it from both the military and government sides. Suppliers are benefiting from this influx, especially as there is increasing attention and high priority placed on enhancing NATO’s capabilities to meet agreed-upon standards,” says Voorhoeve. “Currently, around 5% of spending is allocated to this effort, and funding continues to flow into it accordingly.”
Growth Mindset: The New Strategic Imperative
The defense industry is expanding rapidly — yet leadership capacity has not scaled at the same pace.
“The key issue is that with so much money flowing in, there’s a lack of teams and leadership capable of effectively executing these investments,” Voorhoeve explains. “That’s what I’ve been hearing across Europe — we need to be more strategic in how we scale up the defense sector itself. Of course, this applies to all levels, including staff and specialists. However, the most crucial aspect is investing in leadership, particularly new leaders who can work cross-border, demonstrate agility, and possess resilience to handle stress, much like what’s required in wartime situations such as in Ukraine and other regions where open conflict takes place.”
This represents a marked shift in mindset.
“Furthermore, we need these capable leaders within the defense industry and among suppliers supporting the defense sector. This represents a shift from five years ago, when high priority was not as emphasized. At that time, many managers focused on reorganizations and downsizing rather than growth. To scale up effectively, a growth mindset is essential, along with leaders who embody this approach,” Voorhoeve continues.
Transformation Leadership: From “As-Is” to “To-Be”
As hybrid warfare and emerging technologies such as drones redefine defense systems, leadership must evolve to integrate innovation and transformation.
“Another important component is the rise of hybrid warfare and advanced technologies like drones, which are now integral to military systems. This necessitates greater technological leadership within suppliers and defense organizations. That calls for transformation leaders, those who can guide organizations from their current state (‘as-is’) to their desired future state (‘to-be’). Strong Chief Transformation Officers are in high demand to lead these change initiatives. Overall, cultivating leadership that embraces growth, technological innovation, and organizational transformation is now more important than ever.”
Voorhoeve highlights the unique value of military experience in this context.
“It is worth noting that leaders with past military experience can potentially present a particular advantage – experience of military service early in one’s life can be seen as an apprenticeship or foundational experience,” he points out. “Therefore it is worthwhile to identify and map out leaders with military backgrounds, as they may be inclined to transition into the defense industry. Their service provides relevant insights and a strong motivation to work in this sector.”
Production, Delivery, and Strategic Alliances
With production capacity ramping up, leadership in industrial and operational execution has become critical.
“With production increasing significantly, the need for skilled production personnel is growing, and that includes leaders and plant managers who can effectively scale up and invest in manufacturing. This remains crucial as part of the industrial realm of defense sector,” Voorhoeve continues.
Delivery excellence, he says, will define competitive advantage.
“However, the most vital aspect is delivery. Amrop has a strong presence in Ukraine and the broader Eastern Europe region, making us well-positioned to serve as a key supplier of top-tier delivery leadership capabilities. For example, we can support organizations in Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, and other countries where demand for local, on-the-ground delivery expertise is high.”
Collaboration and alliance-building are equally essential.
“Another important area where we can assist the industry is in building alliances. With our extensive network in Ukraine, we can facilitate connections between local companies, such as Rheinmetall or Robin Radar, and relevant government agencies or structures. Our local practices enable us to bridge these relationships effectively.”
Supporting Defense Growth in the Netherlands and Beyond
“In the Netherlands, the key focus is supporting the military, particularly with growth initiatives and hiring more personnel,” Voorhoeve concludes. “Amrop’s expertise in bringing in leaders who know how to scale organizations is a significant asset, which we are eager to share. This applies to both the military sector and the suppliers working toward that goal.”
“We have extensive experience, especially in technology, working with scale-ups over a long period,” he explains. “Additionally, we have worked with nonprofit organizations and government agencies, giving us a diverse range of expertise. Our practice operates at both the local and regional levels, and our global reach allows us to scale solutions wherever needed. Because of our worldwide presence, we have the capability to support initiatives on a local, regional, or global scale. The global approach is one of our key strengths.”
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Connect with Amrop’s Global Defense Practice
To learn more about how Amrop supports defense transformation and leadership excellence worldwide, connect with Job Voorhoeve or a member of Amrop’s Global Defense Practice in your country.