Babcock Australasia (Babcock) has announced Duncan Milne as its new Managing Director Aviation & Critical Services. Milne is highly regarded within Defence and Industry having spent more than two decades in key senior leadership positions across aviation, aerospace and broader Defence domains. His strong business acumen is complemented by well established relationships across government and industry, including his role as board member for the Defence Teaming Centre.
Most recently, he has overseen regional growth opportunities across Babcock’s Land, Marine and Air divisions, with a specific focus on advancing the company’s interests throughout Australasia. His appointment follows the departure of executive leader Peter Newington, who has stepped down to pursue opportunities within the wider Babcock Group globally.
Milne will focus on expanding Babcock’s aviation & critical services offerings in Australia and New Zealand as part of his new remit.
“Duncan’s appointment strengthens our commitment to delivering outstanding service to our customers and the communities we serve across Australia & New Zealand,” Babcock Australasia Chief Executive Officer Andrew Cridland said. “Duncan has exceptional knowledge of our customers’ operational requirements having served in a number for critical roles with Babcock for three and a half years. He knows the Babcock business and our stakeholders well and has a unique ability to identify opportunities and areas of advancement for both our customers and our business.”
Prior to joining Babcock in 2021, Milne held a range of roles in finance, business development and operational delivery including an extended period in the UK delivering for the UK Ministry of Defence and international defence clients.
“Aviation has been a long-time passion of mine. I look forward to continuing to deliver for our customers and leading our highly professional and dedicated teams in Australia and New Zealand, who deliver critical services in some of the most remote and challenging environments across Australasia,” Milne said.
Cridland thanked Newington for his efforts leading Babcock’s Aviation and Critical Services business unit over the past two years. “Peter has been integral to a number of key business outcomes within our aviation portfolio including the delivery of several new emergency helicopters to customers in South Australian, Queensland and the Torres Strait, the extension of Babcock’s long-standing partnership with Ambulance Victoria, and the advancement of Babcock’s remotely piloted aircraft capabilities,” Cridland said. “We wish Peter every success in his future endeavours and thank him for his commitment to the business’ aviation functions.”