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Australia’s submarine builder ASC has announced the appointment of Jim McDowell to its board, where he will serve as deputy chair before taking over as chair at the end of 2025.
McDowell will succeed Bruce Carter AO, whose term as chair concludes on 31 December 2025. Carter has been a director of ASC since 2010 and chair since 2012, overseeing a period of significant reform and growth.
During his tenure, ASC implemented the Coles review recommendations, delivering substantial improvements in the availability and reliability of the Collins Class submarine fleet, surpassing international benchmarks.
Carter also guided the company through the construction of the three Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyers and played a central role in the transition to Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine program. His focus on sovereign capability, innovation and workforce development has left what ASC described as a lasting legacy.
McDowell brings more than four decades of experience across defence, aerospace and shipbuilding. Most recently, he served as deputy secretary of the Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group within the Department of Defence, overseeing acquisition and sustainment of the Royal Australian Navy’s surface fleet, Army watercraft, and sustainment of the Collins Class submarines.
Carter welcomed his successor’s appointment, saying, “It’s a great pleasure to welcome Jim to the ASC Board. With Jim’s wealth of defence sector knowledge and proven leadership experience, including most recently overseeing the Royal Australian Navy’s surface fleet and Collins Class submarines, we’re in an even stronger position to support our people, our partners and the Navy we proudly serve.”
He has also held senior executive roles as CEO of Nova Systems, CEO of the South Australian Department of the Premier and Cabinet, and CEO of BAE Systems operations in both Australia and Saudi Arabia.
In addition to his executive career, McDowell has held a range of non-executive appointments, including chair of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation and the Trusted Autonomous Systems Cooperative Research Centre.
He has also served on the boards of Austal, Codan, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute and the Adelaide Football Club and was chancellor of the University of South Australia. He is currently a member of the Adelaide University Transition Council.
McDowell’s appointment is effective immediately.
Stephen Kuper
Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.
