Lockheed Martin has announced the appointment of Jeremy King as its new chief executive for Australia and New Zealand. King will officially take on this role on February 23, 2024, succeeding Warren “Macca” McDonald, who has led the company in the region since July 2021. This strategic leadership change is part of Lockheed Martin’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its operations and partnerships in this critical area.
Jay Pitman, president of Lockheed Martin International, expressed confidence in King’s capabilities, stating, “Jeremy’s exceptional depth of experience in large-scale defence acquisitions, combined with his long-standing commitment to customer-centric leadership, make him the ideal candidate to drive Lockheed Martin’s growth in Australia and New Zealand.”
King brings over 30 years of experience with the Australian Defence Force and has previously held the position of head of Joint Aviation Systems for the Defence of Australia’s Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG). He has led significant capability programs, including the MRH-90 and Chinook projects, showcasing his extensive knowledge and leadership in defence acquisitions.
In his new role, King aims to leverage his program leadership experience and dedication to customer success to strengthen Lockheed Martin’s initiatives in Australia and New Zealand. “I look forward to strengthening our partnerships and delivering the advanced solutions our customers rely on,” he stated.
Lockheed Martin’s operations in the region are poised for expansion, particularly as the company increases its involvement in Australia’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise (GWEO). This initiative aims to manufacture guided munitions, including the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) and the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), locally.
The Australian military currently operates various Lockheed Martin systems, including the F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter and the MH-60R naval helicopter. King’s leadership is expected to play a vital role in furthering these strategic defence capabilities, ensuring that Lockheed Martin remains a key player in the region’s defence landscape.
This appointment signifies a continued focus on enhancing defence partnerships and advancing technology solutions vital to the security and operational readiness of Australia and New Zealand.
