Saab Australia announced the appointment of Chris Keane as its new Chief Growth Officer, marking a significant step in the company’s ongoing expansion within the Australian defence sector. Keane, a seasoned leader in the defence industry, brings with him a wealth of experience from his previous roles at BAE Systems Australia and, more recently, Northrop Grumman Australia, where he played a pivotal role in developing and leading major business opportunities.

Keane’s appointment comes at a time when Saab Australia is experiencing robust growth, having expanded its operations across the country over the past five years. This period of expansion has seen Saab not only increase its footprint but also develop a highly skilled sovereign combat systems engineering workforce, reinforcing its position as a key player in the Australian defence industry.

In his new role as Chief Growth Officer, Keane will be tasked with driving the company’s growth strategy, focusing on leveraging Saab’s significant investments in sovereign capabilities to develop innovative solutions tailored to Australia’s strategic defence needs. His extensive experience in navigating complex international defence contracting environments, combined with his expertise in technology transfer, positions him as a critical asset in Saab’s mission to enhance Australia’s defence capabilities.

Andy Keough, Managing Director of Saab Australia, expressed confidence in Keane’s ability to contribute to the company’s growth objectives. “As we continue to successfully deliver our existing projects for our customers, we are seeking to leverage the significant investments that have been made in our sovereign capabilities to create innovative solutions that meet Australia’s strategic defence requirements,” Keough said. “Chris has extensive experience navigating complex international defence contracting environments with a focus on technology transfer to grow sovereign Australian defence capabilities.”

Saab Australia’s commitment to building and maintaining a sovereign combat systems engineering workforce aligns with the broader national agenda of strengthening Australia’s defence industry. With Keane at the helm of growth initiatives, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities within the sector, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of defence technology and innovation.

Keane’s appointment also signals Saab’s intent to further solidify its role as a trusted partner to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) by delivering cutting-edge solutions that address the evolving needs of the country’s military. His deep understanding of the industry’s dynamics, coupled with his proven track record of success in previous roles, will be instrumental in driving Saab’s growth and ensuring the company continues to meet and exceed its strategic objectives.