Why She Made the List
Her appointment as Vice Chief of the Defence Staff marks a historic milestone as one of the most senior women ever to serve in the United Kingdom’s military leadership.
Summary Bio
General Dame Sharon Nesmith is Vice Chief of the Defence Staff of the United Kingdom, one of the most senior military appointments in the British Armed Forces, supporting the Chief of the Defence Staff in delivering military strategy, force integration and capability development across the services.
She previously served as Deputy Chief of the General Staff from August 2022, where she played a central role in shaping Army personnel strategy and modernisation priorities.
Commissioned into the Royal Corps of Signals in 1992, Nesmith has served in Germany, the Balkans and Iraq and commanded at brigade level, including 1st (United Kingdom) Signal Brigade and Army Recruiting and Initial Training Command.
Her staff career has included senior roles in capability planning, personnel and resource management across Army Headquarters and Defence.