Former DIU director Doug Beck rejoins CNAS board

Doug Beck, who abruptly left his post as director of the Defense Innovation Unit at the end of August, is coming back to the Center for New American Security’s board of directors after nearly three years away, the think tank announced today.

Beck served as a member on the CNAS board from 2015 until being tapped to lead DIU in April 2023. Beck had previously worked as a vice president at Apple.

While at the Pentagon, Beck published the “DIU 3.0” strategy report with CNAS in February 2024.

Beck’s exit less than two months ago was then the latest in a wave of high-profile exits at the Pentagon and came less than a week after Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin announced his planned departure.

Emil Michael, under secretary of defense for research and engineering, is currently serving as DIU’s interim director. Michael told reporters shortly after Beck’s departure that his tenure as head of the innovation office will only last until someone is tapped to fill the role full-time.