Advanced phased-array radars supplied by CEA Technologies have been mandated for the new AIR 6500 joint air and ballistic missile defence system. Photo: ADF.
CEA Technologies, a Canberra-based world leader in advanced radar technologies, has appointed two non-executive directors to its board.
The appointments of Fiona Hele and Dr Bronwyn Evans are part of the Federal Government’s plan to turn the company into a government business enterprise (GBE) by January 2025.
With the mandating of many of CEA’s advanced radar systems for various Australian naval and land-based programs, the Government in May took an ownership stake in the company from previous shareholder Northrop Grumman. At the time, the Government said the $500 million deal with CEA would secure the leading-edge capability and would eventually become part of a larger GBE.
CEA’s advanced phased-array radars are featured on the Royal Australian Navy’s Anzac-class frigates and forthcoming Project SEA 5000 Hunter-class frigates, the Australian Army’s new LAND 19 Phase 7B NASAMS short-range ground-based air defence system, the Royal Australian Air Force’s E-7A Wedgetail AEW&C aircraft and Project AIR 5439 Phase 6 Advanced Growler program training range. They have also been mandated as the primary sensor for the new AIR 6500 integrated air and missile defence system.
Ms Hele is a chartered accountant with more than 30 years of experience in both the private and public sectors and is an experienced board director and audit and risk chair. Dr Evans is an experienced board member, and is the former CEO of Engineers Australia, CEO of Standards Australia, and a senior executive at Cochlear Ltd and GE Healthcare.
They have both been appointed for three-year terms, and the Government says it expects to appoint a third non-executive director soon.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles said Ms Hele and Dr Evans brought valued and diverse experience as new non-executive directors to the CEA board.
“CEA is a critical supplier of world-leading radars to the ADF, and I’m confident Ms Hele and Dr Evans will help the board drive long-term continued success for the company,” he said in a statement.
Minister for Finance, Senator Katy Gallagher, added: “I congratulate both Ms Hele and Dr Evans on their appointments and look forward to working with them. Appointing Ms Hele and Dr Evans will help the CEA board manage a successful transition to a government business enterprise.”
Original Article published by Andrew McLaughlin on Riotact.
