Mariilis Gross Appointed Vice-Chancellor for Defense Policy
Mariilis Gross, former director of the defense department at Estonia's permanent representation to NATO, has been named the new Vice-Chancellor for Defense Policy at the Ministry of Defense.
Estonia's Ministry of Defense has announced that Mariilis Gross will take up the post of Vice-Chancellor for Defense Policy. Gross previously served as director of the defense department at Estonia's permanent representation to NATO. In her new role, she will coordinate the work of the strategic planning, international cooperation, and NATO and European Union departments.
Gross has extensive experience within the Ministry of Defense and the State Chancellery, having held various positions. She also served as political advisor to the Commander of the Defense Forces, General Martin Herem, and participated in the European Union military mission in the Central African Republic.
She holds a master's degree in international security from the Paris Institute of Political Studies and a bachelor's degree in political science. In 2018, she was awarded the Ministry of Defense's 3rd Class Distinction, and in 2022, she received the Cross of Merit of the Defense Forces for her contributions to national defense.
The outgoing Vice-Chancellor for Defense Policy, Tuuli Duneton, will continue her service in the Ministry of Defense management, moving to the position of defense advisor in Paris.
