Anu Narayanan Appointed to Lead RAND's National Security Research Division

For Release

TuesdayMay 26, 2026

Anu Narayanan

Anu Narayanan, a national security expert whose work focuses on critical infrastructure, resilience and defense planning, has been appointed vice president and director of RAND's National Security Research Division (NSRD), effective immediately.

In her new role, Narayanan will lead one of RAND's largest research divisions, overseeing research that informs policy and operational decisions on national security and defense. She will help shape the division's priorities, expand its work in areas of growing importance and ensure RAND continues to provide rigorous, objective analysis to government sponsors.