Lockheed Martin Australia names McDonald as incoming CEO

Lockheed Martin announced that, effective 1 July, retired Air Marshal Warren McDonald will join the leadership team of Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand and will eventually take over as chief executive. McDonald spent more than 40 years with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), including his last appointment as the inaugural Chief of Joint Capabilities, which saw him lead the coordination and integration of capabilities across the Australian Defence Force. Joe North will remain as Lockheed Martin Australia & New Zealand Chief Executive (LMANZ CE) as McDonald transitions into the Lockheed Martin organisation before he assumes the mantle of LMANZ CE from North later this year. McDonald will report to Ray Piselli, vice president International Business, Lockheed Martin Global Business Development. On making the announcement, Piselli, said that McDonald’s appointment reinforces Lockheed Martin’s continued commitment to working side by side with its customer in Australia to develop and advance the critical capabilities needed to remain ahead of  adversaries as the battlespace becomes more complex across every domain. “Warren’s service, including as Deputy Chief of Air Force and Chief of Joint Capabilities, will bring unique insights, experience and expertise as we support the customer to realise the vision for a fully integrated, networked defence force to achieve the military superiority necessary to meet challenges of the 21st Century battlefield,” said Piselli. “We are delighted to have Warren join the Lockheed Martin team and know that he is no stranger to Lockheed Martin capabilities first-hand, having seen operational service in Australia and overseas as well as flying in Lockheed Martin aircraft during his time as a RAAF pilot.” McDonald said he was excited to join Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand at what is a critical period for the modernisation of Australia’s defence capability and at a time of evolving strategic threats. “Lockheed Martin is at the forefront of delivering state-of-the-art defence capabilities for Australia and across the region in the air, land, sea, space and cyber domains. I look forward to working with the team and partnering with the customer and industry to accelerate the development and deployment of world-leading sovereign capabilities for Australia in the 21st century challenges.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Director of Sales Graham Joss at [email protected]