The Secretary of Defence, Mr Duncan Lewis, has today advised me of decisions taken in relation to senior appointments within the Department of Defence.

I welcome the appointments of the Chief Executive Officer of the Defence Materiel Organisation and the Associate Secretary Chief Operating Officer.

Chief Executive Officer of the Defence Materiel Organisation

I congratulate Mr Warren King on his appointment to the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Defence Materiel Organisation (CEODMO).

Mr King is currently acting CEODMO

Mr King has a strong background in Defence materiel acquisition and sustainment and an extensive international Defence business background with over 35 years experience in the Defence arena including 20 years service with the Royal Australian Navy and senior managerial positions in Defence Industry.

Mr King is very well placed to continue to lead the Defence Material Organisation and to continue the process of reform in Defence equipment acquisition and sustainment.

Associate Secretary Chief Operating Officer

I congratulate Mr Simon Lewis on his appointment as Associate Secretary, Chief Operating Officer.

Mr Lewis will be responsible for the management, coordination and better integration of Personnel Services and Policy, Defence Support and ICT Groups.

Mr Lewis is currently Deputy Secretary Defence Support.

He has previously held senior positions within Government, including the Department of Finance and Deregulation.

Mr Lewis will play a key role in the ongoing implementation of Defence’s Strategic Reform Program and related Defence reform.

Other Senior Appointments

The Secretary has also advised me of a number of other senior appointments made in the last month.  These include the appointment of Dr Alex Zelinsky as Chief Defence Scientist, Mr Brendan Sargeant as Deputy Secretary Strategy and Ms Carmel McGregor as Deputy Secretary People Strategies and Policy.

The process for finalising the Associate Secretary Capability is continuing.  The Secretary has advised me that he anticipates making an announcement regarding this position in due course.

I have also been advised that applications for the position of Deputy Secretary Intelligence and Security closed recently and a selection process will begin shortly.

Media Contacts:

Mr Smith’s Office: Andrew Porter (02) 6277 7800 or 0419 474 392

Department of Defence: (02) 6127 1999