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The Naval Shipbuilding Institute, a joint venture between KBR and Huntington Ingalls Industries, confirmed the appointment a new chief executive to oversee the NSI’s operations.
Graeme Hunter, who began his career as an apprentice ship draughtsman and worked for 40-years across shipbuilding operations from engineering to program management in the UK and Australia, was appointed chief executive of the joint venture this week.
Hunter has spent 25 years working as an executive at several leading companies including Rolls-Royce, Lockheed Martin and UGL, and recently served as general manager, major programs at KBR Government Solutions.
Chairman of the Naval Shipbuilding Institute Rob Hawketts welcomed the appointment, outlining that Hunter will help the Institute’s achieve benefits for both Defence and shareholders.
"The board of NSI is very pleased to have Graeme step up to the role as chief executive and we are confident that under Graeme’s leadership, NSI will continue to deliver positive outcomes for Defence, as well as the shareholders,” Hawketts said.
“Under Graeme’s leadership, NSI will continue to ensure that the Naval Shipbuilding College effectively delivers vitally important, innovative workforce development initiatives for Australia’s major naval shipbuilding programs, including the submarines and frigates.”
Hunter said that he was excited to help steer the business.
“Nurturing strong relationships with prime contractors and their supply chains, and the vocational training and academic institutions across Australia will be a key focus as I move forward in the role,” Hunter said.
“It is an exciting time to be working in the industry and the opportunity to lead NSI in its next phase is one that I am looking forward to.”
Hunter began his appointment on 1 August, and takes over from Ian Irving who served as the CEO for two years.
[Related: Australian Navy officers support mine clearing exercise in Arab Gulf]
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