Defence SA has announced the appointment of Matt Opie as the new Chief Executive, replacing outgoing CE Richard Price who resigned in December 2023.
He will commence his five-year tenure from Monday 15 April 2024.
An Australian Defence Force Academy and Royal Military College Duntroon graduate, Opie has held senior defence positions across government, industry and academia over the course of his 30-year career.
He served as an Officer in the Royal Australian Corps of Signals both in Australia and the Middle East, and has since worked on defence projects in the Asia-Pacific, US and Europe working with defence forces, governments and the private sector.
In 2017, Opie began his existing position as Director of Defence and Space at the University of South Australia. Prior to this, he held senior positions at SAAB Australia and at BAE Systems Australia.
"The recruitment process identified Matt as a highly credentialled and experienced candidate for this important role," said Susan Close, Deputy Premier of South Australia.
"He joins Defence SA as we begin the acquisition of a nuclear-powered submarine fleet through the AUKUS program, as well as other programs involving advanced technologies including artificial intelligence, cyber and quantum computing."
Opie’s role will also encompass leadership of the South Australian Space Industry Centre, Veterans SA and Defence Innovation Partnership, driving innovation and excellence across these sectors.
"I’m excited to be able to contribute to the defence sector and the state’s prosperity during this critical period of continuous naval shipbuilding and AUKUS," said Opie, incoming Chief Executive of Defence SA.
"I look forward to bringing my skills and experience in defence and space, industry and research to support the defence and space sectors in South Australia. Defence SA has an enviable reputation as a leader in the defence sector Australia wide and I am very proud and excited to be able to lead the agency."