Defence Briefing
Innovation for an Integrated Force
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Full Name, Job Title, Company Name, State and Email Address to confirm availability.
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ABOUT THE EVENT
The Defence eco-system in Australia relies
on innovation, research and development, delivered at speed, to transform existing and future defence technology into
real world capability for our national security.
Industry
is no longer a provider of commodity goods and services, but rather fundamental elements of the national security
infrastructure.
‘Integrated Force’ is a concept based on not just development
of impressive products, connected by personnel, but on a truly integrated
system that connects individual capabilities and delivers a powerful force
multiplier for the Australian Defence Forces (ADF).
To achieve the Integrated Force the ADF will be
dependent on industry as a fundamental input in our ambition to deliver
enduring, specialist, sovereign industry capabilities in integration and smart
sustainment.
Join AmCham Australia to hear
this important discussion around the future of our defence innovation.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Friday 23 August 2024
Time: 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Location: National Wine Centre
PRICING
Members: Single: $139 / Table of 10: $1390
Non-Members: $189 / Table of 10: $1890
SPEAKERS
Christine Zeitz - Chief Executive & General Manager, Australia & New Zealand, Northrop Grumman
Chair, Defence Trailblazer
Christine Zeitz is a leader in Australia’s defence industry, with over 30 years’ experience delivering world-class solutions and services across the Asia Pacific region to Defence, security, ICT and intelligence customers. Christine joined Northrop Grumman in July 2020 and, as Chief Executive and General Manager of Australia and New Zealand, is responsible for all aspects of its growth, program awards and financial performance. Significantly, Christine drove the establishment of a strategy and operating model for Northrop Grumman Australia, with profit and loss accountability in-country from January 2021. Prior to joining Northrop Grumman Australia, Christine served as Chief Executive Officer of Leidos Australia for five years, where she delivered a 100 per cent growth in revenue through an ambitious restructure of the Australian business. This followed roles at Lockheed Martin, where she served as Vice President and Managing Director for Australia and Asia Pacific, and 25 years at BAE Systems Australia in various roles, culminating in her leading the maturation of globally strategic partnerships as President North East Asia. Christine is the Deputy Chair of SBS Australia and the Chair of Defence Trailblazer for Concept to Sovereign Capability. Christine is a champion of workplace diversity and a passionate advocate for women in national security. With a diverse background in program management, operations, strategy, business development, contracts and finance, Christine has a proven track record of building high-performing teams and programs and achieving business growth in the Asia Pacific region. Northrop Grumman is a technology company, focused on global security and human discovery. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with capabilities they need to connect, advance and protect the U.S. and its allies. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers’ toughest problems, our 90,000 employees define possible every day.
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Matt Opie - Chief Executive, Defence SA
Matt Opie commenced as Chief Executive of Defence SA in April 2024. Matt’s priority is to support and grow the defence and space sectors in South Australia to contribute to the state’s prosperity and national defence capability. His role also encompasses Chief Executive of the South Australian Space Industry Centre and responsibility for the Defence Innovation Partnership and Veterans SA. An Australian Defence Force Academy and Royal Military College Duntroon graduate, Matt has held senior defence positions across government, industry and academia over the course of his 35-year career. He served as an officer in the Royal Australian Corps of Signals in Australia, Europe and the Middle East. Matt has worked on high technology defence projects in the Asia-Pacific, US and Europe with defence forces, governments, research organisations and the private sector. Matt’s most recent role was at the University of South Australia as Director Defence and Space where he was responsible for the university’s research strategies and engagement with the defence and space sectors. Other previous roles included at Saab and BAE Systems in program management, business development and industry engagement. Matt has a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration.
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Judd McCann - Program Director, The Akana Group
Judd McCann is an experienced senior manager recognized for his extensive expertise in operational Defense, financial, and technology program management. Serving multiple tours in conflict regions and currently focusing on Federal programs in Defence throughout the INDO-PACIFIC. Over his career, Judd has specialized in the strategic deployment of technology, delivering solutions tailored to meet the rigorous demands of various operational environments. His ability to craft practical and sustainable outcomes has made him a valued leader in every position he has held.
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Rebecca Brickhill - Head of Future Naval Systems and Autonomy, SAAB
An accomplished strategic leader and engineer, Rebecca leads the Future Naval Systems and Autonomy business for Saab Australia. Her current role has seen her establish and grow this innovative business area, whilst leading a whole-of-maritime business transformation program for Saab. Spanning her 17 years with Saab, Rebecca has led and contributed to a broad range of high profile and complex defence programs of work and major campaigns including; the development and integration of Naval Combat Systems for the Royal Australian Navy’s surface fleet and major programs on four classes of submarines. She has also held leadership roles within key research and development programs. Rebecca is regularly requested by name to support and propel global initiatives, and combining years of Australian and international experience, she actively contributes to Saab programs worldwide, leading and delivering global strategies across technical domains.
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Darren Roles - Strategic Partnerships Manager, Ascent
Darren has a strong foundation in Military and Civilian aircraft maintenance and modification, I bring a hands-on approach to strategic problem-solving and partnership building. Starting my career as a structures tradesman in the military, I continued in this field upon joining the industry, enhancing my professional engineering qualifications. Rising to become the corrosion manager for RAAF P3 & P8 MMA fleets, I developed Ascent’s AI/ML-based corrosion prediction tool, CorroVision, significantly increasing fleet availability. In a pivotal moment, I successfully pitched this innovative approach to the USN at the 2023 Sea Air Space conference with just 20 minutes' notice, winning a $50,000 prize. This performance led to my role as the Strategic Partnerships Manager at Ascent, where I focus on fostering innovation in the AUKUS Defence environment. Passionate about relationship building, strategic planning, and performance optimization, I am committed to creating synergies to deliver outcome-focused solutions.
EVENT SERIES PARTNER
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EVENT PARTNER
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