Retired Major General Jorge Eduardo Mora López will head the Defense Ministry starting August 7 in Abelardo De La Espriella's government.
Mora López will replace Pedro Sánchez in the post. The announcement highlights his 36 years of military service and training in defense management and security.
The incoming minister studied at the Collège Interarmées de Défense and Universidad Antonio de Nebrija. He has received medals for distinguished service in counter-narcotics operations.
The defense minister post has averaged 20.5 months in tenure since 2002. Juan Carlos Pinzón held it for 45 months, the longest recorded period.