Clarion Events has appointed naval leader Rear Admiral Steve Tiffen (Ret’d), AO, CSM as its Australian Military Advisor. A retired senior officer of the Royal Australian Navy, Tiffen will provide specialist advisory for UDT Australia, an undersea defence technology conference and exhibition to be held in Adelaide later this year – the first time the popular UDT series will be staged outside of Europe in its 37 year history.
As part of this role he will also join the UDT Australia Steering Committee, alongside leading maritime and defence personnel, to develop the inaugural convention and ensure it addresses key priorities across military, industry, government, workforce and technology.
Tiffen has dedicated more than four decades to leading complex maritime capability delivery across defence and industry. His 40-year career in the Royal Australian Navy spanned major shipbuilding, sustainment and upgrade programs, culminating in his role as Head of Maritime Sustainment from 2022 to 2025. Following posts in Canberra as Head of Maritime Sustainment and acting Deputy Secretary Naval Shipbuilding & Sustainment Group, Tiffen has now returned to his home state of South Australia. He is also the Director of Arc Fidelis, an independent advisory practice working with defence and government to strengthen Australia’s defence capability and national resilience.
Tiffen was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the Military Division for distinguished service in the 2026 King’s Birthday honours.
James Samuel, Managing Director – Live Events at Clarion Defence and Security, said Steve’s extensive experience and sector leadership will deliver invaluable insights and strengthen UDT’s engagement with the Australian and Asia-Pacific military industry. “Steve is a proven defence capability leader with rare expertise in shipbuilding, sustainment and governance,” he said. “His deep understanding of the commercial and technical aspects of naval capability and procurement will reliably inform how we develop and deliver the most relevant programming and opportunities for our senior industry audience. Steve is highly respected and well connected in the defence sector and we are delighted to welcome him as we prepare for UDT Australia in 2026 and beyond.”
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