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Electro Optic Systems (EOS) has strengthened its leadership ranks, appointing two of the nation’s most experienced military leaders to its board as the company pursues ambitious growth plans across the global defence and space sectors.
Air Vice-Marshal (Ret’d) Catherine Roberts AO CSC and Major General (Ret’d) Kathryn Toohey AM CSC have been appointed as non-executive directors, effective from 1 June 2026, bringing decades of operational, strategic and governance experience to the ASX-listed defence and space technology firm.
The appointments come at a pivotal time for EOS as it seeks to expand its international footprint and cement its role as a sovereign defence technology partner for Australia and allied nations.
EOS chairman Garry Hounsell said the additions reflected a deliberate effort to align the company’s leadership with its long-term strategic ambitions.
“We have been highly focused on ensuring the board possesses the right combination of skills, experience and independence to guide EOS through its next phase of growth,” Hounsell said.
“Catherine and Kathryn bring an exceptional depth of expertise across defence, national security, major capability programs and sovereign industrial development. Their insights will be invaluable as EOS continues to expand globally and execute its strategic priorities.”
AVM Roberts joins the board following a distinguished career spanning more than four decades across defence, aerospace engineering, weapons systems, space capability and major acquisition programs.
Widely recognised as a pioneer in Australia’s military space enterprise, Roberts served as the nation’s inaugural commander of Defence Space Command, where she oversaw the establishment and operational development of Australia’s dedicated military space capability.
Throughout her career she has worked closely with allied defence organisations across North America, Europe and the Indo-Pacific while overseeing complex defence programs valued at more than $16 billion.
Beyond her military service, Roberts currently serves on a number of prominent boards and advisory bodies, including Australia’s Economic Accelerator, Defence SA, the Andy Thomas Space Foundation and Curtin University’s National Security and Resilience portfolio.
MAJGEN Toohey also brings extensive experience in leadership, governance and defence capability development following more than 30 years of service in the Australian Defence Force.
Since transitioning from military service, Toohey has established a strong portfolio of board appointments across Australia’s defence and infrastructure sectors, including roles with Austal, Australian Naval Infrastructure, Defence Health and the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.
Her expertise spans the governance of complex capability programs, audit and risk management, organisational performance and engagement with government stakeholders.
The appointments underscore EOS’ growing ambitions in a rapidly evolving global security environment, with demand increasing for sovereign defence technologies capable of supporting allied military operations.
EOS has emerged as a key player in advanced defence and space technologies, with capabilities spanning counter-drone systems, remote weapon stations and space domain awareness solutions. The company continues to position itself as a provider of scalable, operationally proven technologies designed to meet the needs of Australia and its strategic partners.
The addition of two of Australia’s most respected former military leaders signals EOS’ intent to strengthen both its governance and strategic direction as it pursues further growth opportunities in international defence and space markets.
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.
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