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Defence SA appoints new chief executive

richard price

Nearly two months after the announcement that Andy Keough CSC would be leaving the role of Defence SA’s chief executive, South Australia’s Minister for Defence Industries Martin Hamilton-Smith has announced his replacement.

Nearly two months after the announcement that Andy Keough CSC would be leaving the role of Defence SA’s chief executive, South Australia’s Minister for Defence Industries Martin Hamilton-Smith has announced his replacement.

Defence SA's executive director of defence and industry Richard Price will take up the role of CEO, having been with the agency since July 2016.

Upon Price's appointment to the role, Minister Hamilton-Smith said he had extensive leadership experience in the defence industry comprising maritime, land, aerospace and science and technology domains over 30 years.

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Price first started working for British Aerospace, now known as BAE Systems, in the UK in 1985, where he was an electronics engineer for laser inertial navigation systems. He then joined Saab Systems, where he worked in Adelaide as a project manager on the ANZAC Ship Alliance, and soon after became the general manager – naval systems. In 2009, Richard took over as deputy managing director of SAAB Systems, and became the vice president and managing director in 2011.

Keough will commence a new role as managing director of Saab Australia this November.

Minister Hamilton-Smith paid tribute to Keough's work in the role of CEO, highlighting his key role in lobbying the federal government over the Future Submarine project.

"Andy’s drive and commitment helped South Australia successfully lobby the federal government and change the national agenda on shipbuilding. We went from a proposed purchase of submarines built in Japan, to a Continuous Shipbuilding Program based in South Australia that will deliver Offshore Patrol Vessels, Future Frigates and Future Submarines," the minister said.

"The state government’s advocacy campaigns have been vital for the delivery of these key naval shipbuilding programs to the state and Andy should be proud of the part he has played in helping us achieve this.

"I wish Andy Keough all the best in his new role as managing director of SAAB Australia."