Esper names White House lead tech official as acting DOD research chief

摘要

Defense Secretary Mark Esper has named White House Chief Technology Officer Michael Kratsios as the acting under secretary of defense for research and engineering, after former R&E chief Mike Griffin and his deputy abruptly resigned two weeks ago. Kratsios took over as the Pentagon's technology chief on July 10, according to a Defense Department announcement. "In seeking to fill this position we wanted someone with experience in identifying and developing new technologies and working closely with a wide range of industry partners," Esper said in the announcement. "We think Michael is the right person for this job and we are excited to have him on the team." Kratsios has served as the White House CTO since 2017. During his time there, he focused the administration's technology agenda on a range of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, autonomous vehicles, commercial drones, STEM education and advanced manufacturing. Before he joined the Trump administration, Kratsios was principal and chief of staff at Thiel Capital, an investment firm founded by Peter Thiel.