The current head of BAE Systems Australia, Gabby Costigan, has been promoted to Group Managing Director of Business Development. Based in London, she will move to the UK during Q2 2022 after a hand over period with Ben Hudson. Hudson will take over as CEO BAE Systems Australia. Previously the Chief Technology Officer in the UK, Hudson is an Australian with decades of experience in the defence industry. Like Costigan, he has also served in the Australian Army including active service in East Timor. Under Costigan, the Australian business has grown from about 3,000 employees to more than 5,500 as major programs ramped up including – JORN upgrade, F-35 sustainment and the Hunter Class Frigate program.
Her career highlights include:
- Costigan became CEO designate of BAE Systems Australia in October 2017 and CEO on 1 January 2018.
- She was awarded an MBE in the 2019 Queen’s Birthday Honours List for her services to United Kingdom/Australia relations.
- In 2021, Costigan accepted an invitation from the Australian Prime Minister to join the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Advisory Council as one of three representatives for the Australian economy.
- Costigan is also involved with a number of organisations – she is a Board member of the Princes Trust, an AMCHAM NSW Honorary Governor, Chair of the Council for Women and Families United by Defence Service, a member of the CSIRO Manufacturing Advisory Group and a member of the University of Adelaide Defence Cyber and Space Advisory Board.
Commenting on her promotion, Costigan said: “I have loved leading Australia’s most diverse defence company over the past four years. The breadth of the work undertaken by the business and the capabilities and commitment of employees is really quite exceptional. It’s been hugely rewarding to see the business grow as major programs have ramped up while also delivering our existing contracts. I am really looking forward to continuing to support the Australian business in my new role.”
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