Two deputy director generals named in NCA restructure

The National Crime Agency (NCA) has appointed five “exceptional” directors as part of a programme of organisational change to focus on high-risk offending. Essex Police Deputy Chief Constable Matthew Horne will become NCA deputy director general (operations) while Dr Nina Cope will join the organisation as deputy director general (capabilities). They replace current Deputy Director General David Armond who is retiring after a law enforcement career spanning four decades. Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Nikki Holland will join the NCA as director investigations, while Steve Smart, will become Director Intelligence. Reshard Auladin, a magistrate and former vice-chair of the Metropolitan Police Authority, will become a non-executive director. All five appointments are set to join the NCA in April, Mr Horne initially on secondment. NCA Director General Lynne Owens said: “These are five exceptional people who bring new dimensions of skill and knowledge to the top team. We are streamlining the agency’s structure, reducing operational silos and providing clearer strategic direction and delivery, all of which will help the agency focus firmly on tackling the high end of high risk offending.” Ms Owens thanked Mr Armond for his significant contribution to law enforcement. “From his service in the MPS to his time in SOCA and the NCA, David has never shied away from taking on some of the most challenging roles with integrity, energy and determination,” she added. “His focus on the public interest, and our responsibility to protect, is at the forefront of all he does. “He is a highly respected law enforcement professional on the national and international stage which has ensured the NCA has developed and retained a position of strength. “David leaves a huge legacy, formally recognised with the award of his CBE last year. We wish him a very happy and healthy retirement.” Mr Horne has worked his way through the ranks since joining the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) in 1989, including leading the police team for the Leveson inquiry. He was appointed assistant chief constable at Essex Police in 2014 and became second in command a year later. Dr Cope is currently the organisational change and effectiveness director at High Speed Two, responsible for the development of an effective organisation to support the delivery of the major infrastructure programme. She also worked for the MPS for five years, where she lead a service improvement and cost reduction programme, which included the design and implementation of the new operating model. Ms Holland joined Merseyside Police in 1988 but left in 2014 to become assistant chief constable at South Wales Police. She returned to Merseyside Police in 2016 where she was given responsibility for TITAN, the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit. Steve Smart has worked for 20 years in intelligence in both the public and private sectors. He has worked against a range of threats and has extensive experience of working with partners in the police, wider law enforcement and defence communities both in the UK and overseas.