CEO of Nova Systems to be new Defence shipbuilding chief

Nova Systems Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jim McDowell will be leaving Nova to take up the appointment of Deputy Secretary Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment at the Australian Department of Defence’s Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG).

He succeeds Mr Tony Dalton who has retired on 27 April. Until Jim McDowell takes up his new role Mr Dalton’s temporary successor will be RADM Wendy Malcolm.

The move will enable McDowell to significantly shape the future of defence for Australia and the state of South Australia. However, the submarine business will become part of the new Australian Submarine Agency; Mr McDowell’s duties will focus on surface ship construction and sustainment, much of which is based in South Australia.

The RAN’s fleet of surface combatants may undergo changes following a ‘short and sharp’ review, to be completed in September. This may result in the Navy acquiring fewer than the nine planned Hunter-class frigates which BAE Systems Australia is due to start building this month in Adelaide. It may also result in the acquisition of more heavily armed Tier 2 warships, possibly as a replacement for some of the AN’s Arafura-class Offshore Patrol Vessels.

McDowell said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Nova. It is a fabulous business, which has grown substantially over the years and has a solid growth path ahead of it. However, this was an opportunity I simply could not turn down. It provides the ability for me to shape the future of Australia’s shipbuilding and sustainment and also to ensure I contribute to the effective implementation of the Defence Strategic Review”.

Steven Robinson has been appointed to a newly created role of Chief Operating Officer of Nova Systems to ensure continued focus on a number of strategic initiatives McDowell was responsible for. Recruitment for a new CEO will commence shortly, the company says.