Vice Admiral Chris Ritchie's appointment as Chairman of leading Australian naval defence company ASC has been warmly welcomed by outgoing Chairman Mr John Prescott AC.
Federal Minister for Finance and Deregulation and sole shareholder of ASC, Lindsay Tanner,
announced earlier today that Vice Admiral Ritchie would succeed Mr Prescott as Chairman on the expiry of Mr Prescott's current term (30 June 2009).
Mr Prescott, who has been Chairman of ASC since November 2000 when the Company became 100% owned by the Commonwealth, said Vice Admiral Ritchie brought a broad range of experience and capability to the role including a deep understanding of customer requirements for the Company's services.
Vice Admiral Ritchie has had a distinguished naval career, including terms as both Chief of Navy and the Australian Defence Force Theatre Commander, and has served as a Director on ASC's Board since August 2007.
He said he was honoured to be chosen as Chairman of ASC.
"I am privileged to have the opportunity of leading the Company through what will be an important time for us," he said.
"I look forward to working with the ASC Board, senior management and staff."
Vice Admiral Ritchie said that he was pleased that Mr Graeme Bulmer would continue to act as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer while ASC's Board conducts an executive search for a replacement for Greg Tunny, who resigned in May 2009.
He also acknowledged the commitment and contributions of Mr Prescott and fellow director Mr Charles Bagot, who likewise is retiring on the expiry of his present term on 30 June after serving on the Board since 2000.
"Through their roles on the Board, Mr Prescott and Mr Bagot have made significant contributions to important stages of the Company's development, in particular its expansion through diversification in submarine activities and surface ship construction," Vice Admiral Ritchie said.
He said ASC is well-positioned to continue its role as a major provider of naval defence support.
"We are about to start building the Hobart Class air warfare destroyers; we will continue to maintain and upgrade the Collins Class submarines; and we want to help the Government in any we can with its Future Submarine project," Vice Admiral Ritchie said.
"Above all, we will continue to work with the Defence Materiel Organisation and the Royal Australian Navy to provide a value-for-money service that best helps Australia defend its national security interests."
VICE ADMIRAL CHRIS RITCHIE AO
- Vice Admiral Ritchie will commence his three-year term as Chairman on 1 July, 2009 after serving as a Director on ASCs Board since 28 August 2007.
- He was previously Chief of Navy from 2002-2005, and Commander, Australian Theatre for the Australian Defence Force from 2001-2002.
- Other roles he has held during a distinguished naval career include: Head of Capability Systems (1999-2001); Maritime Commander Australia (1997-99); Director General Military Strategy and Concepts (1994-96); and Director General Naval Policy and Warfare (1993).
- He holds qualifications from the Royal College of Defence Studies (London), Defence Resource Management School (California) and the Royal Australian Air Force Advanced Staff College.
- In 2001 he was made an Officer in the Military Division of the Order of Australia, and has also been made a US Commander of Legion of Merit (2004) and received a Centenary Medal (2003).
|
ASC (formerly Australian Submarine Corporation) is the nation’s last remaining Australian-owned prime defence contractor. The company was responsible for the design and construction of the Collins Class submarines and today delivers design, upgrade and maintenance services for the submarines’ through-life. In May 2005, ASC was selected to build Australia’s next generation warships – the Hobart Class air warfare destroyers. ASC employs over 1,400 Australians in South Australia and Western Australia, including 280 engineering and technical specialists.
- ends -
For more information:
Ben Osborne, Corporate Communications Manager
ASC Pty Ltd
Telephone: 08 8348 7000
Mobile: 0412 251 390
Email:
ben.osborne@asc.com.au
Print this page