With nearly four decades of experience across Defence, electronic warfare and space, Ian has served in leadership roles spanning government, industry and the not-for-profit sector. As Executive Director Defence and Industry for Defence SA, he leads initiatives to grow South Australia’s defence and space sectors whilst strengthening relationships across government, industry and academia. Ian served in the Royal Australian Navy for over 22 years as a sailor and engineering officer. Following his service, he continued supporting Defence as the senior Navy electronic warfare systems engineer in the Australian Public Service. In 2015, he transitioned to the private sector, consulting to Defence before founding a leading-edge defence technology company in 2019, employing local engineers to develop technology for the Australian Defence Force and export to the UK. Since relocating to South Australia in 2007, Ian has embraced the state as home. As a father of five, he is a passionate advocate for community, collaboration and innovation within the defence and space industries in South Australia. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from RMIT University.
