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Defence industry veteran Andy Keough, currently managing director of Saab Australia, has been appointed to serve a two-year term on the University of Adelaide council.
Keough has 35 years’ experience in the defence industry, previously serving as chief executive of Defence SA, and holding a number of senior roles at BAE Systems subsidiary ASC Shipbuilding and Thales.
The new appointee also served for 22 years in the Royal Australian Navy, including two commands of Collins Class submarines (HMAS Waller and HMAS Sheean), and a three-year posting with the US Navy’s Submarine Force in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Keough was recognised for his military service in 2006, receiving the Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC) for his leadership in the Royal Australian Navy.
The University of Adelaide’s incoming councillor also serves on the state government’s Training and Skills Commission and the South Australia Certificate of Education (SACE), and he co-chairs the University of Adelaide’s Industry Advisory Board for the priority area of Defence, Cyber and Space.
The University’s chancellor, the Honourable Catherine Branson, AC, QC, welcomed Keough to the council.
“His leadership and strategy experience in defence and defence industry, and his keen understanding of the needs of the future workforce, have already been of great benefit to the University of Adelaide through his work with our industry advisory boards,” she said.
“Andy is highly respected in his field and in industry and government more widely. He has shown his willingness to continue supporting the leadership of our university by accepting this position on our council.”
Reflecting on his appointment, Keough added, “It is an exciting time to be joining the university’s council, particularly as the state and the university seek to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The University of Adelaide plays a critical role in defence research and workforce training, both of which benefit South Australia and our nation. It will be an honour to contribute to the future of the university through this new role.”
[Related: NIOA welcomes former defence minister to head advisory board]
