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BAE Systems Australia has named former senior public servant Dr Ian Watt AO as non-executive chairman, Australia, on an expanded board.
In a public service career that stretches almost two decades, Dr Watt previously served as Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Secretary of the Department of Defence and was Australia’s longest serving Finance Secretary.
Currently, Dr Watt sits on the board of Citigroup, Smartgroup Corporation, O’Connell Street Associates, the Committee for Economic Development of Australia and the Grattan Institute.
Other positions included being Chair of the National Innovation and Science Agenda Implementation Committee and Chair of the Advisory Council for the University of Wollongong’s SMART Infrastructure Facility.
BAE Systems Australia said on Thursday Dr Watt’s position as non-executive chairman, Australia, was a newly created position on the board.
The group managing director of BAE Systems’ International Operating Group, Guy Griffiths, said Dr Watt would help the defence and security company better work with government.
“Australia continues to be a key growth market for the group. The appointment of Dr Watt will help improve our engagement with government so that we can continue to play a leading role in helping protect the nation,” Griffiths said in a statement on Thursday.
BAE Systems Australia chief executive Glynn Phillips added: “Dr Watt’s depth of experience will help guide our Australian business as we consider the opportunities to support the Government meet its strategic defence challenges.”
