Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Emil Michael will be the acting head of the Defense Innovation Unit after Doug Beck resigned Monday from his role as director of the commercial innovation hub. Michael Dodd, the incoming assistant secretary of defense for critical technologies, will be the acting deputy director.

“Together, both are laser-focused on driving innovation and enhancing the department’s ability to deliver groundbreaking commercial technologies to empower the American warfighter,” a Pentagon spokesperson told Defense News.

DIU was initially part of the undersecretary of defense for research and engineering’s portfolio until then Secretary Lloyd Austen elevated it to reporting directly to the secretary. The Pentagon didn’t say Tuesday whether the reporting change would change.

DOD photo by Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza