Codan has appointed former Chief of Army Lieutenant General (Retired) Rick Burr as Strategic Advisor, reinforcing its focus on expanding sovereign defence capability in Australia and across allied markets.
“Codan has a long history of delivering trusted communications and detection solutions into complex operational conditions globally, which demonstrates the strength of Australia’s sovereign capability,” Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Alf Ianniello, said.
“As defence priorities evolve, there is a clear opportunity to further leverage and scale that capability here in Australia. Rick’s experience will help us align even more closely with those priorities.”
Codan is one of Australia’s largest exporters of defence and communications technology, with a global footprint supplying mission-critical systems to military, security and emergency services customers.
The appointment comes as Australia sharpens its focus on sovereign industrial capability under the National Defence Strategy (NDS) 2026, with increasing emphasis on Australian-designed and manufactured technologies that can operate in contested environments.
From advanced manufacturing facilities in South Australia, Codan’s designs, manufactures and exports systems including the Sentry family of tactical radio, BluSDR drone datalink and MDS-20 countermine detector.
Lieutenant General Burr brings more than 30 years of leadership experience across the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and allied operations, including serving as Chief of Army from 2018 to 2022. His career includes senior roles across Indo-Pacific and United States alliance structures, including as Deputy Commanding General of United States Army Pacific.
Lieutenant General Burr said Codan’s established capability and export track record position the company to play an increasingly important role in Australia’s defence ecosystem.
“Codan represents the kind of sovereign capability that will be increasingly important in the years ahead with technology that is designed, built and proven in demanding conditions,” he highlighted.
“I look forward to working with the team to support outcomes that are operationally relevant and aligned to the needs of Australia and its partners.”
In his role as Strategic Advisor, Lieutenant General Burr will support Codan’s engagement across Australian and Five Eyes defence initiatives, contributing to major programs and strengthening partnerships in mission-critical environments.
Codan continues to invest in advanced manufacturing, engineering and innovation in Australia, supporting high-value jobs while delivering globally competitive defence technologies.