Babcock Australasia names new CEO

Babcock International Group has appointed Peter Behrendt as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Babcock Australia and New Zealand (Babcock). Behrendt will officially step into the role in early 2027, taking the reins from Leah Grantham who has been acting in the position since March. A Royal Australian Navy veteran, Behrendt joins Babcock with a strong track record of delivering results across complex and diverse organisations. He’s previously held senior management roles within multiple defence and security-focused companies, including Saab, BMT, Dataminr Inc, and most recently Serco. Babcock International, Chief Growth Officer Nick Hine, congratulated Behrendt on his appointment, saying: “Peter is a known leader who brings a wealth of experience to Babcock from across the defence sector. His vision and enthusiasm for the company and its growth are exciting, and I look forward to working with him as we drive forward into this new era in Australia and New Zealand.” Behrendt said he is honoured to be joining Babcock at such an important time for Australia and New Zealand. “Babcock has strong foundations and talented people, and I’m optimistic about what we can achieve together. There is much to do as our customers’ needs evolve, and meeting those needs will take sustained effort, close collaboration and a clear focus on delivery. I look forward to working with the team to build on its achievements and deliver the critical capabilities our customers rely on.” Hine thanked Acting CEO Leah Grantham for her dedication and support since assuming the position. “The dedication, professionalism and commitment Leah’s shown has been instrumental to the continued success of the business. Leah’s leadership has been crucial during this transitional period, and her contribution to enhancing Babcock’s performance and relationships has had a notable impact.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]