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The Australian-owned defence and aerospace company has announced the appointment of a new group chief executive.
Nova Group has appointed Jim McDowell as its new group CEO, effective from Monday, 30 November.
The new appointee replaces Julie Cooper, who has served as interim group CEO since June. Cooper is set to return to her role as non-executive director on the board.
McDowell joins Nova Group from South Australia’s Department of the Premier and Cabinet, where he has served as chief executive since September 2018.
Prior to this, McDowell served as CEO of BAE Systems Australia, where he oversaw the purchase of Tenix Defence.
The incoming Nova Group CEO has also served as in-country CEO of BAE Systems’ $6 billion Saudi Arabian business and has held roles with Bombardier Shorts for 18 years.
“Jim is the right person to lead Nova into the future, ushering in an exciting new chapter of the company’s long and proud history,” Jim Whalley, chairman and founder of Nova Group, said.
“He has a proven record of leadership and a breadth of business experience that we believe is critical to lead Nova, including the ability to forge major client relationships and a commitment to our people and the behaviours we want to emulate.
“We are on a growth path at Nova and are very well positioned to continue building on our strong momentum and capitalise on the many opportunities the future holds. I welcome Jim to the Nova family.”
Reflecting on his appointment, McDowell commented: “I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead this exceptional Australian-owned and operated company – one that has so much potential and is full of smart people.
“Together with the group’s executive leadership team, it is my goal to ensure we continue to make Nova’s approach to people our point of difference, keep value generation at the forefront of our minds and focus on our clients.
“These have always been at the core of Nova, and I will continue to keep them front and centre as we move forward.”
The new appointee is serving, or has served, on the boards of several major Australian businesses and community organisations, including the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Air Warfare Destroyer Principals Council, the Royal Automobile Association, Adelaide Football Club, The Australian Strategic Policy Institute Council and St Peter’s College Council of Governors.
[Related: BAE Systems Australia appoints new maritime sustainment director]
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.
