BAE Systems has announced the appointment of David Allott as Chief Executive of BAE Systems Australia, replacing Jim McDowell who has been promoted to become the new Chief Executive of BAE Systems Saudi Arabia, after 10 years at the helm of its Australian business.
Mr Allott, whose appointment takes effect from 5 September 2011, is from the company’s UK based Global Combat Systems business where, as managing director, he currently has responsibility for design, manufacturing, integration and support solutions for military weapons, vehicles and munitions for a worldwide customer base.
He leads 5,500 employees based in France, Sweden, the UK and the US.
Jim McDowell has successfully led BAE Systems Australia for more than a decade. In that time he has established the business as a leading supplier to the ADF and developed its position as a mature home market, well placed to deliver capabilities and services sourced from within Australia as well as from elsewhere in the BAE Systems Group.
During his time as Chief Executive, the Company has expanded from 2,500 employees and revenue of $400 million to more than 6,000 staff and annual revenue approaching $1.8 billion today.
In 2008 he oversaw the integration of BAE Systems Australia with Tenix Defence to create a new business with capabilities across the air, sea, land, electronic and security domains.
Guy Griffiths, BAE Systems Group Managing Director, International, said that Mr McDowell had been instrumental in helping to transform the Australian business into a major provider of industrial capability to the ADF.
“Among Jim’s many achievements in Australia have been his ability to build a strong team, develop a business that is positioned for continued growth, and create a company that truly listens and responds to the needs of its major customer.”