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An industry veteran has been appointed to spearhead the unmanned naval technology company’s growth plan.
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Retired naval Commodore Mike Deeks has been named as Blue Ocean Monitoring’s (BOM) new group managing director.
Deeks returns from England, where he served as Western Australia’s agent general to the UK, Europe and Israel.
The incoming group MD, who will be tasked with overseeing BOM’s s next phase of development, replaces Simon Illingworth, who will continue to serve as managing director and CEO of Blue Ocean Seismic Services — BOM’s UK based joint venture company with BP and Woodside.
BOM chair Chris Rowe welcomed the appointment, which he said is particularly timely in light of the new AUKUS alliance.
“We are delighted that Mike has agreed to spearhead the next phase of our development. With his impeccable naval credentials and broad business experience, Mike will allow us to strengthen our relationships with the British and Australian navies,” Rowe said.
“Last week’s announcement of an enhanced strategic partnership involving the United States, Britain and Australia only reinforces the potential usage of unmanned underwater technology.
“Blue Ocean Monitoring is at the cutting edge of designing and developing UUVs and other highly innovative technologies.”
Reflecting on his appointment, Deeks said he’ll leverage his experience in the sector to bolster BOM’s footprint.
“After a 32-year career in the Navy and experience working for some of the largest and most dynamic defence companies, I am looking forward to leading BOM as we develop the technologies that will disrupt traditional underwater exploration and surveillance,” he said.
“I am also extremely excited about continuing to build a world-class business operating from Perth, serving customers right around the world.”
Meanwhile, Mary Hackett has joined the company’s board. She has previously served on the broads of Northern Star Resources, Strike Energy, and Sapien Cyber, and currently serves as chair of the Future Energy Exports CRC.
Hackett has also held senior executive roles at oil and gas companies Woodside and General Electric.
These appointments follow BOM’s strategic partnerships with BP and Woodside.
BOM currently holds contracts with the Royal Australian Navy and the UK Ministry of Defence, among other countries.
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