Nova Group announced that Jim McDowell has been named as its new group CEO, effective 30 November. McDowell has 30 years’ experience in both the private and public sectors. Most recently, he was South Australia’s top public servant in the role of chief executive for the Department of the Premier and Cabinet. Prior to that he was the CEO of BAE Systems Australia and oversaw the purchase of Tenix Defence. Under his leadership, the company expanded to become Australia’s largest defence prime, with more than 6,500 employees and annual sales of approximately A$1.7 billion. He then moved to Saudi Arabia where he took up the role of in-country CEO for the A$6 billion business. Jim also worked in legal, commercial and marketing roles with aerospace company Bombardier Shorts for 18 years,
“Jim is the right person to lead Nova into the future ushering in an exciting new chapter of the company’s long and proud history,” said Jim Whalley, chairman and founder, Nova Group. “He has a proven record of leadership and a breadth of business experience that we believe is critical to lead Nova, including the ability to forge major client relationships and a commitment to our people and the behaviours we want to emulate. We are on a growth path at Nova and are very well-positioned to continue building on our strong momentum and capitalise on the many opportunities the future holds. I welcome Jim to the Nova family,” said Whalley.
Julie Cooper, who has served as interim group CEO since June, will return to her role as non-executive director on the Nova Group board.
In addition to his global experience, McDowell brings with him a genuine passion for growing local industrial capability and developing valuable IP for Australia. “I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead this exceptional Australian owned and operated company – one that has so much potential, and is full of smart people,” said McDowell.
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