As he was nearly 25 when he was commissioned in 1990 and trained as barrister (called to the bar in 1996!) I should think he brings a very sharp mind and perhaps a more varied perspective to the job. Although it's nice to see an RN CDS, I think the end of buggins' turn was a sensible step.
It will be interesting to see if, as predicted by the papers, the looker and ex-skipper of Illustrious Ben Key beats the other 3*s (2SL or the Fleet Commander) to the 1SL berth.