CANBERRA, 1 September 2022 – Lockheed Martin Australia has appointed Kendell Kuczma as the new International Business Development Director of Rotary and Missions Systems (RMS) for Australia and New Zealand effective immediately.

Kendell Kuczma will take over the role from Neale Prescott, who will retire from Lockheed Martin on 30 September. Kendell will lead the regional strategy for Rotary and Mission Systems growth and business development across capabilities such as Command and Control integrated systems; training and logistics solutions; Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD); radars and sensors; cyber; electronic warfare; helicopters and more.

Confirming the leadership appointment, Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand Chief Executive, Warren McDonald said, “I look forward to working with Kendell to expand our sovereign growth of Rotary and Missions Systems across Australia in support of our customer’s mission.”

“With over two decades working at senior levels within Defence and defence industry, Kendell is highly regarded across the defence community and brings a wealth of experience and unique business insights into the joint all-domain Integrated Air and Missile Defence capabilities required to protect Australia’s national interests.”

Mr. McDonald reflected on Neale Prescott’s significant career and said, “I personally acknowledge and commend Neale Prescott’s remarkable 24-year career with Lockheed Martin Australia and his service in the Royal Australian Air Force. During his tenure, Neale has been instrumental in bringing to bear the critical skills to acquire and deliver the sovereign capability needed to support the men and women who proudly serve in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).”

Steve Froelich, Vice President of Operations Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems Australia and New Zealand and AIR6500 Executive said, “Highly passionate about working in the defence sector, Kendell will continue to drive key partnerships with primes, small to medium enterprises, government, and academia to ensure industry remains at the core of shaping the country’s future defence capabilities for AIR6500, land training, rotary, systems integration, sustainment and more.”

Reflecting on her new appointment, Kendell Kuczma said, “Of all the industries to work in, I chose Defence, because we’re making Australia safe. I believe the ultimate aim of Defence and defence industry is to safeguard Australia. I’m excited about this new appointment and the opportunities to support the ADF’s mission.”

About Kendell Kuczma:

A Lockheed Martin employee for six years, Kendell most recently served as Australian Capture Lead for AIR6500. Her experience includes working for 14 years for the Australian Department of Defence’s procurement arm - Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group in various roles including shipbuilding, helicopters and aircraft. Kendell holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from the University of Canberra and a master’s degree in Business from the Australian National University.

About Lockheed Martin Australia

Headquartered in Canberra, Lockheed Martin Australia is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation. The company employs more than 1200 people in Australia working on a wide range of major programs spanning the aerospace, defence and civil sectors.

Media contact: Stacey Ward, stacey.l.ward@lmco.com, +61 439 369 305