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Babcock Australasia has appointed a new chief executive officer who will step into the company’s top job at the start of next month.
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Andrew Cridland, chief financial officer, will replace current CEO David Ruff who is retiring at the end of July after 15 years with Babcock Australasia.
Cridland has been a mainstay at Babcock in Australia and the United Kingdom since his employment began in 2015.
“I’m delighted to be taking up the role at such an exciting time for the industry. Now more than ever, what we do matters,” he said.
“I look forward to driving further success in the region (from the group’s regional head office in Adelaide, South Australia) as we continue to support our customers and build a safe and secure world, together.”
Cridland, a chartered accountant and University of Adelaide bachelor of commerce alumna, has previously been employed with Royal Dutch Shell, the Australian Submarine Corporation, and Greencap, formerly owned by Wesfarmers.
Babcock chief executive officer David Lockwood said Cridland was selected as chief executive officer from an extensive internal and external recruitment process, and a similar search is underway to find his replacement as chief financial officer.
“Andrew’s extensive leadership qualities and in-depth knowledge of our business will ensure we continue to deliver the critical services which help keep our customers and communities safe in a period of increasing regional tensions,” he said.
“I’d like to thank David for his dedication and hard work throughout his many years of service.
“His leadership has been pivotal in driving the expansion of our operations across the region, and the board wishes him every happiness in his well-deserved retirement.”
The company recently acquired Australia’s Naval Ship Management business, and in the past 12 months has secured three landmark contracts totalling more than $1 billion. The company takes on a $877 million multi-year program to upgrade the Australian Defence Force’s Defence High Frequency Communications System, Babcock Australasia’s single largest-ever contract to date.
