Warren McDonald appointed Chief Executive of Lockheed Martin ANZ

CANBERRA, Thursday 18 November, 2021 – Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) announced today that former Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Chief of Joint Capabilities, Air Marshal (Retd) Warren McDonald AO, CSC, has been appointed Chief Executive of Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand (LMANZ).

Following a career of more than 40 years with the RAAF, Mr. McDonald joined the leadership team of LMANZ in May of 2021 and assumes the role of Chief Executive effective immediately.

Mr. McDonald reports to Ray Piselli, Vice President International Business, Lockheed Martin Global Business Development.

Confirming the appointment, Mr. Piselli highlighted Mr. McDonald’s distinguished service career including his contribution to the development of a more integrated, networked defence force for Australia.

“As the RAAF’s inaugural Chief of Joint Capabilities, Warren brings an unrivalled understanding of the superior all-domain capabilities necessary to meet the evolving challenges of the 21st Century battlespace,” he said.

“Warren’s appointment reiterates Lockheed Martin’s commitment to develop and advance the critical capabilities our customers will need to remain ahead of their adversaries and defend their national interests.”

Commenting on his appointment as LMANZ Chief Executive, Mr. McDonald said he is committed to ensuring LMANZ’s focus remains firmly on the needs of its customers through excellence in program delivery and sustainment.

“Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand has a proud heritage of excellence in program delivery and sustainment and I look forward to working with the team and our local industry partners to further contribute to that legacy on both sides of the Tasman,” he said.

“Lockheed Martin’s innovative technologies are at the heart of our customers’ defence capabilities and we have a responsibility to ensure that superior combat power is available whenever and wherever it is needed.”

As well as confirming Mr McDonald’s appointment, Mr. Piselli commended the achievements of the former LMANZ Chief Executive, Joe North.

“Joe has done a remarkable job, first as the Vice President of Rotary Mission Systems Operations for Australia and New Zealand and, most recently, as the LMANZ Chief Executive,” he said.

“The strength of LMANZ’s position in the market as a defence capability steward and an enabler of manufacturing sector transformation is a testament to his leadership, the deep relationships he has cultivated with our industry partners and his determination to deliver for our customers.”

Mr. North and his family will return to the US with a new role to be announced in the future.

###

About Lockheed Martin Australia

Headquartered in Canberra, Lockheed Martin Australia is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation. The company employs more than 1,200 people in Australia working on a wide range of major programs spanning the aerospace, defence and civil sectors.

About Warren McDonald AO, CSC

Former Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Chief of Joint Capabilities, Air Marshal (Retd) Warren McDonald AO, CSC, joined the leadership team of Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand (LMANZ) in May 2021 and was appointed to the role of LMANZ Chief Executive on 18 November 2021.

Prior to joining LMANZ, Mr. McDonald served 41 years in the Australian Defence Force, with his last appointment being the Chief of Joint Capabilities. In 2017, as the inaugural Chief of this Group, Mr. McDonald was made responsible for its formation and development. Joint Capabilities Group now supports Army, Navy and Air Force by providing a wide range of enabling capabilities, such as logistics, education, health and military police. The Group is also responsible for progressing key projects to support cyber, data link, and satellite capabilities. 

In 1979 Mr. McDonald began his career in the Royal Australian Air Force as an enlisted technical apprentice. In 1989, he was commissioned and later graduated as a pilot, logging over 5000 hours in the P-3 Orion. His rotational assignments included Squadron, Wing and Group appointments, numerous deployed commands and as the Deputy Chief of the Royal Australian Air Force. 

Mr. McDonald is a graduate of the Australian Command and Staff Course.

Media Contact:

Chris Newman, chris.newman@civicreputation.com.au, +61 (0) 421 477 297