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The Australian shipbuilding company has announced the appointment of a new chief operating officer to replace Patrick Gregg, who will assume the role of CEO in January.
Austal Limited has appointed Ian McMillan to the role of chief operating officer, Australia, effective 1 January 2021.
McMillan replaces Patrick Gregg, who will assume the role of managing director and CEO upon the expiry of David Singleton’s term.
The incoming COO, who will be based in Henderson, Western Australia, will be responsible for Australia, Philippines and Vietnam shipbuilding and sustainment operations, as well as the management of Austal’s interests in the Aulong commercial shipbuilding joint venture in China.
McMillan joins Austal from BAE Systems Australia, where he has served as director, shipbuilding mobilisation since September 2017, leading the group’s national sustainment business.
Austal’s outgoing CEO Singleton and CEO designate Gregg welcomed McMillan to the leadership team, noting his 36 years of experience in the Australian and international defence industries, particularly in naval shipbuilding and sustainment.
“I am very much looking forward to working with Ian to further develop Austal’s Australasian operations and maximise the opportunities ahead – in both defence and commercial shipbuilding and sustainment,” Gregg said.
“Ian’s experience in winning and delivering major defence contracts and operating effective, efficient shipyards and sustainment operations will undoubtedly help us grow our business and achieve even greater returns on our strategic investments throughout the region.”
[Related: Austal USA’s future USNS Newport completes US Navy acceptance trials]
Charbel Kadib
News Editor – Defence and Security, Momentum Media
Prior to joining the defence and aerospace team in 2020, Charbel was news editor of The Adviser and Mortgage Business, where he covered developments in the banking and financial services sector for three years. Charbel has a keen interest in geopolitics and international relations, graduating from the University of Notre Dame with a double major in politics and journalism. Charbel has also completed internships with The Australian Department of Communications and the Arts and public relations agency Fifty Acres.
