Lockheed Martin Australia names new program director of Global Training Systems

Lockheed Martin Australia has appointed former Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Director General Navy Aviation Systems, Commodore (Retd) Peter Ashworth to the role of Program Director Global Training Systems effective immediately. With a career spanning over 40 years of service in the RAN, Ashworth brings a wealth of experience across Navy Aviation and Defence aircrew training projects, Defence helicopter systems, and the management and acquisition of large-scale Defence capability. In 2018, Ashworth was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for meritorious service in Navy aviation and project management due to his significant military track record of transforming strategy into required outcomes and potential into performance combined with his successful leadership of operational teams internationally. Based in Lockheed Martin Australia’s Headquarters, Canberra, Ashworth will lead a 135-strong team over four locations around Australia to deliver comprehensive sustainment services with excellence for Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) JP9711 core simulation capability, AIR5428 Pilot Training System and Basic Wings Course programs. “Peter Ashworth’s reputation precedes him. He is highly regarded within the Royal Australian Navy and the Defence community, and we are delighted to welcome him aboard to Lockheed Martin Australia,” said Steve Froelich, Vice President of Operations Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems Australia and New Zealand. “Peter brings tremendous experience and expertise with unique insights into defence training capability. Peter will focus on growing our training and sustainment solutions across live, virtual and simulated training environments to support the Australian Defence Force’s operational readiness requirements.” Reflecting on his new appointment, Ashworth said, “I’m very excited to be joining Lockheed Martin Australia. I’ve had 44 years in Defence with a lot of those years working in programs that involved Defence Industry, including Lockheed Martin. I’ve long admired the company’s commitment to excellence, innovation and delivery.” Ashworth served 44 years in the Royal Australian Navy across a range of senior leadership roles in Navy Aviation Systems, Navy Fleet Air Arm, and Defence Aviation and aircrew training acquisition programs. His service included creating and maintaining cohesive acquisition and sustainment programs between Australia and US Defence, delivering strategic leadership of a large portfolio of major and minor acquisition programs and sustainment products for the ADF, and a leadership role in the Navy Aviation force of 2,000 people conducting operations globally. Peter holds a Bachelor of Business at Monash University and a Master’s in Project Management at the University of NSW. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Director of Sales Graham Joss at [email protected]