Defence Industries Minister Martin Hamilton-Smith today announced that Andy Keough has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Defence SA.

Mr Keough leaves his role as General Manager Business and Strategic Development with Australian naval shipbuilding company ASC, which built the Air Warfare Destroyer and Collins Class submarines.

“Mr Keough is a globally recognised expert in submarine warfare and shipbuilding, who comes to us from the corporate sector. This is a coup for South Australia,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said.

Premier Jay Weatherill also congratulated Mr Keough on his appointment.

“The state has secured a highly respected submariner with outstanding strategic and management abilities,” Mr Weatherill said.

Mr Keough said he is proud to lead Defence SA at such a crucial time for the state.

“I am determined to advocate for South Australia’s strong capabilities and credentials as the Defence state.

“Defence SA will be relentless in its attempts to secure major defence contracts including our next Submarines, Future Frigates, Land 400 and Pacific Patrol Boats,” Mr Keough said.

Mr Hamilton Smith said Mr Keough is a highly accomplished leader with more than 20 years experience in developing strategy and managing people in challenging environments.

“He served in the Royal Australian Navy for 22 years, commanding two Collins Class submarines, HMAS Waller and HMAS Sheean.

“Consistently recognised for excellence, in 2006 Mr Keough was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross for outstanding achievement and exceptional leadership.

“Mr Keough also assisted the Commander of US Submarine Force Pacific in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii where he developed tactics and provided training for the US Navy Submarine Fleet.

“He joined ASC in 2009, establishing ASC’s business improvement capability before assuming responsibility for ASC’s maintenance and training operations in Western Australia. In February 2015 Mr Keough was appointed General Manager Business and Strategic Development and was responsible for securing future defence contracts.”

Mr Keough will begin his role as Defence SA Chief Executive Officer on Monday 31 August.