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Former Australian Defence Force aerospace engineer Ian Spencer has been appointed as Defence SA’s executive director of defence and industry.
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In his new role, effective 21 August this year, Spencer will be responsible for the leadership and implementation of initiatives across all domains directly aligned to the state’s defence and space sector strategies.
Spencer’s distinguished career spans nearly four decades in Defence, electronic warfare and space, having held senior leadership roles across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.
Announcing the appointment, Defence SA chief executive Matt Opie said he was pleased to welcome Spencer on board.
“Ian joins us with extensive knowledge of the industry and experience in driving pioneering defence innovation that will be instrumental in supporting South Australia to bolster our sovereign capability efforts,” Opie said.
“Ian is a staunch advocate for our state, and his expertise will be an asset as we work to ensure local companies are best positioned and supported to maximise the opportunities arising from the AUKUS partnership.”
With an extensive Defence and industry network, Ian’s entry into Defence began as a rifleman in the Army Reserve in his teenage years before transitioning into the Royal Australian Navy, where he served for 22 years as a sailor and aerospace engineer.
After leaving service, Spencer continued his dedication to Defence as the senior Navy electronic warfare systems engineer in the Australian Public Service.
In 2015, he founded a consultancy specialising in electronic warfare systems and went on to establish a business focused on advanced technology solutions for satellite applications in 2019.
With a firm focus on driving innovation, building high-performing teams and having a clear vision, Spencer understands what it takes to drive organisational success.
“I’m thrilled to join the team at Defence SA at this pivotal time for South Australia’s defence and space industries,” he said.
“I am excited to be serving South Australia in this important work and am looking forward to applying my experience and unique perspective to the role to ensure that we can achieve the tenacious goals that lie ahead.”
Spencer’s appointment follows the departure of former executive director of defence and space Reg Carruthers, who left the agency in July.
