Defence Estates, the Ministry of Defence’s property arm, has appointed Andrew Manley as an interim chief executive.

Public Property UK can reveal that Manley, who is currently commercial director, will be acting chief executive until after the strategic defence review in the autumn.

Defence Estates has abandoned its search for a permanent chief because of changes to its business plan that are likely to happen following the review.

Andrew recently joined the board of the organisation to advise on the “major commercial challenges facing the organisation”. This includes the Next Generation Estates Contracts, which are 10-year property contracts worth a total of £5bn and are set to be introduced next year.

The MoD’s permanent under secretary Bill Jeffrey wrote to all Defence staff last week to explain that the plan to promote Manley on a temporary bases, and abandon their search for a chief executive.

A spokesman said: “We will rerun an open competition in the autumn with a new remit based on the reviews which are currently in train as part of the strategic defence and security review.”

As acting chief executive, Manley will focus on commercial issues and research for the strategic defence and security review. He will also work on developing a job description for the role of chief executive.

In June, Manley was revealed as one the highest earning quango staff, on a yearly wage of up to £200,000.

In May, chief executive vice cdmiral Tim Lawrence stepped down and was replaced by David Olney.

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