The Defence Teaming Centre has welcomed three new board members with the credentials and experience to help drive the member-based association’s 2025–2028 strategy.
Joining the board is Andy Semmler, Head of Industry Development & Engagement SSN AUKUS at ASC Pty Ltd. Mr. Semmler brings more than 30 years’ experience as an industry and supply chain leader working in the defence prime environment across platforms in Sea, Land and Air domains as well as manufacturing.
Also making his debut on the DTC board is Emilio De Stefano, CEO & Managing Director of defence-focused management and security consultancy De Stefano & Co. The 2025 winner of the defence industry’s Cyber Business of the Year award, De Stefano & Co assists organisations in navigating the complex Australian defence industry environment through targeted market-entry advice, cyber maturity uplift and DISP membership attainment and compliance support.
Replacing Jennifer Burgess who retires from the DTC board as its ‘University Appointment’ is Tony Kyriacou, Defence Partnerships Director at Flinders University. Mr. Kyriacou leads the university’s engagement with Defence and defence industry. Mr Kyriacou has worked across the defence industry for over 20 years, having previously worked in senior business development and workforce development roles at Defence SA, where he played a vital role in the state’s attraction and support of major defence programs.
Re-elected to the board include Duncan Milne, Managing Director Aviation & Critical Services for Babcock, Peter Richings, Director of Peter Richings Company and Wendy Smith, Executive Chair of Vipac Engineers & Scientists Ltd. Standing down from the board are MBDA General Manager Thomas Tizard and Boeing Defence Australia’s Naomi Smith.
DTC chair Mike Hartas said that the new board is primed to deliver on its recently announced 2025–2028 Strategy.
“The addition of Andy Semmler, Emilio De Stefano and Tony Kyriacou strengthen our ability to deliver on our five core priorities,” explained Mr. Hartas. Defence Teaming Centre | (08) 7320 1000 | www.dtc.org.au
“We are committed to strengthening connections across Australia and with global partners to support AUKUS and international initiatives, while growing a robust and balanced mid-tier sector to foster innovation and competition. Andy, Emilio and Tony can add significant value to these efforts through their experience, capability and networks,” added Mr. Hartas.
DTC will continue to champion defence industry interests and drive workforce, skills, and industry development to meet current and future need, which it is supported to achieve through a new four-year funding partnership with the South Australian Government.
“We have announced a series of very impactful industry capability development initiatives to ensure that DTC delivers on its mandate at a time when the industry’s future has never looked more promising,” added Mr. Hartas. “We have never been more outcome-driven and are infinitely aware that only hard work and commitment will preserve South Australia’s reputation as the Defence State. This is a powerhouse board that has all the skills, experience and capability to lead the way.”
Continuing in key DTC roles are Travis Shueard (Deputy Chair) Duncan Milne (Treasurer) and Peter Richings (Secretary.)
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