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Lockheed Martin Australia has announced the appointment of former Royal Australian Air Force senior officer, Air Commodore (Ret’d) Phil Gordon AM, as the new international strategy and business development director for Rotary and Mission Systems across Australia and New Zealand. His appointment takes effect immediately.
Gordon steps into the role following the promotion of Kendell Kuczma who has been elevated to program director and general manager of Rotary and Mission Systems for the region.
In his new position, Gordon will oversee strategic growth and business development across a wide range of advanced defence capabilities, including command and control systems, integrated training and logistics, air and missile defence, radars and sensors, cyber, electronic warfare and helicopter sustainment.
A highly respected former fighter pilot and strategic leader, Gordon brings more than 36 years of service in the Royal Australian Air Force, with deep experience across operational command, training, capability development and joint operations.
On Australia Day 2018, he received a Commendation for Distinguished Service for his leadership of the Air Task Group as part of Australia’s contribution to Operation Inherent Resolve. In 2020, he was appointed a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia for exceptional service in aerospace capability development and operations management within the ADF.
Warren McDonald, chief executive of Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand, welcomed the appointment, saying, “I congratulate Phil on his appointment. His career is marked by exemplary service and dedication, earning him a reputation as a progressive and effective leader.”
McDonald said, “I look forward to working with Phil to grow our sovereign Rotary and Mission Systems capability in support of the Australian Defence Force’s mission.”
Reflecting on the new role, Gordon said, “I’m proud to be joining Lockheed Martin, where I can continue contributing to national security with passion and integrity. I’ve seen first-hand the exceptional capability Lockheed Martin delivers, and I’m excited to help bring that capability to the warfighter.”
Throughout his Air Force career, Gordon held a number of senior appointments, including commander of Air Task Group 630, where he led Australian strike and ISR operations as part of the US-led coalition against Daesh in Iraq.
He also served as director General Air, overseeing global air operations and major exercises; commander of the Air Warfare Centre; and director general Air Defence and Space, where he synchronised a portfolio of over a dozen multi-domain projects worth billions under the ADF’s integrated air and missile defence and space control programs.
Gordon holds a bachelor of science from the Australian Defence Force Academy and completed fast jet training early in his career, going on to fly and instruct on platforms, including the F/A-18A Hornet, PC-9, Hawk 127 and Aermacchi MB-326.
