Overview

• Beck notified staff by email that he was stepping down, according to reporting from multiple outlets, and the Defense Innovation Unit declined to comment.
• Reuters, citing unnamed sources, reported that Pentagon officials had raised concerns about Beck’s donations to Democratic candidates, a claim that has not been publicly confirmed.
• Appointed in 2023, Beck previously founded DIU’s joint reserve component and served as Apple’s vice president for worldwide education, health and government.
• DIU is a primary channel for bringing commercial AI, autonomy and drone capabilities into U.S. defense programs, areas that are drawing increasing Pentagon investment.
• His resignation was reported alongside broader leadership churn at the Pentagon described by Politico, including recent removals and retirements in senior roles.