Timothy D. Otten

Lieutenant Colonel Timothy D. Otten serves as the inaugural U.S. Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) Embedded Liaison to the United Kingdom, where he also leads Global Partnerships (Europe). As the UK MOD Liaison, he bridges the Atlantic by connecting the UK Ministry of Defence, Parliament, and industry leaders to accelerate the adoption of commercially derived technologies.

A Marine Corps officer and former AV-8B Harrier pilot, LtCol Otten has deployed to Afghanistan and the Western Pacific, led F-35 integration efforts, and advanced NATO aviation interoperability. His international expertise is further bolstered by his experience supporting the Defense Attaché Service throughout Europe.

LtCol Otten holds a Master’s in International Relations from Tufts University’s and is a graduate of Air War College, the U.S. Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and the Expeditionary Warfare School. Joining DIU in 2024, he brings twenty years of experience to the intersection of innovation and global defense relations.