21st Century Security
Australia News Releases
CANBERRA, Australia, 2 December 2024 – Lockheed Martin announced today that retired Air Vice-Marshal Steven ‘Zed’ Roberton DSC AM has formally commenced his role as Chief Executive Australia and New Zealand.
Following a handover period, Roberton succeeds Warren ‘Macca’ McDonald who is retiring after a distinguished tenure. Roberton reports to Ray Piselli, Vice President International Business, Lockheed Martin.
Confirming the transition, Piselli highlighted Roberton’s extensive leadership experience and strategic vision.
“Steve’s decades of service in the Royal Australian Air Force and his deep understanding of defence capability requirements will ensure Lockheed Martin continues to deliver world-class solutions to meet the evolving needs of our customers in Australia and New Zealand,” said Piselli.
“I also want to extend my gratitude to Macca for his exceptional leadership, which has seen Lockheed Martin achieve significant milestones across several key defence initiatives including AIR6500-1, SouthPAN, and the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise.
Commenting on his new role, Roberton said he was eager to build on the company’s established legacy of excellence in the region.
“I am honoured to lead Lockheed Martin’s efforts in Australia and New Zealand, regions that are pivotal to our global operations,” said Roberton.
“My focus will be on collaborating closely with our customers, industry partners and stakeholders to deliver and sustain the advanced capabilities necessary to address the complex security challenges and strategic defence priorities of Australia and New Zealand.”
About Air Vice-Marshal (retd) Steve ‘Zed’ Roberton DSC AM
Steven ‘Zed’ Roberton, is a retired senior commander of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Roberton was accepted into RAAF as a direct entry pilot trainee in 1989. He completed initial officer and flight training at RAAF Point Cook and RAAF Base Pearce, graduating from No. 153 Pilots Course in 1990 and F/A-18 conversion in 1993. Roberton is a Category A Fighter Pilot with over 3000 total hours, mostly in F/A-18A, B, C, D, E and F fighters.
Roberton completed a joint staff tour in Capability Development Group in Canberra and Australian Command and Staff College. Deployed to Iraq, he commanded Number 75 Squadron RAAF (2003–06) and No. 82 Wing RAAF (2010–11), and led Air Task Group 630 on operations against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (2014–15). He served as commander Air Combat Group RAAF from 2015 to 2017, Air Commander Australia from 2017 to 2019, and Head Force Design within the Vice Chief of Defence Force Group from June 2019 to February 2022.
About Lockheed Martin Australia
Headquartered in Canberra, Lockheed Martin Australia is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation. The company employs more than 1,600 people in Australia working on a wide range of major programs spanning the aerospace, Defence and civil sectors.
Media Contacts:
Joanne Hon, joanne.hon@lmco.com, +61 458 175 404