One of Australia’s most distinguished career soldiers, Lieutenant General (retired) Ken Gillespie, AC, DSC, CSM, has joined the Board of Directors of leading local defence manufacturer, Australian Aerospace Limited.

General Gillespie, who served with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) for over 43 years, was appointed Chief of Army in July 2008, a position he held until his retirement in June last year. Previously he had served as Land Commander Australia and Vice Chief of the Defence Force.

General Gillespie, who saw operational service in Namibia, East Timor, and the Middle East, said he was greatly excited by his new role and of the opportunity of continuing to support Australia’s servicemen and women through the provision of first class aviation aircraft and services.

“Joining Australian Aerospace’s Board of Directors gives me the opportunity to maintain involvement, through a recognised industry leader, with that wonderful institution – the Australian Defence Force. Australian Aerospace provides cutting edge helicopters to Army and Navy, and deeper maintenance services for RAAF systems. I intend to provide insights from my years within Defence to assist the industry professionals to deliver the capability the ADF requires”, said General Gillespie.

Commenting on General Gillespie’s appointment as a Director of the Board of Australian Aerospace, Board Chairman Mr Dominique Maudet, said he was both pleased and proud to welcome General Gillespie to the company.

“The Board of Directors are honoured to work with General Gillespie,” Mr. Maudet said. “Ken’s standing within the Australian Defence Force and the wider community makes him a well respected voice and we look forward to his guidance and counsel over the coming years.”

In addition to providing ongoing deeper maintenance to Air Force capabilities and support of the Army’s ARH Tiger helicopter, Australian Aerospace is currently delivering 46 MRH90 helicopters to the Australian Defence Force. The MRH90 Program is listed on the Commonwealth of Australia’s Projects of Concern List, and while remediation plans are in place, in his new role General Gillespie will provide valuable input into interactions with the Defence Materiel Organisation and the Australian Defence Force.

“Lt Gen Gillespie will provide much welcomed support in Australian Aerospace’s ongoing work with the Commonwealth of Australia in delivering the MRH90. The helicopter will provide the capability which the ADF requires now and into the future, and General Gillespie will have an important and active role in delivering that capability”, said Dr Jens Goennemann, Chief Executive Officer of Australian Aerospace.

About Australian Aerospace:
With more than 1100 staff in Australia and New Zealand, Australian Aerospace has access to the financial strength and expertise of Eurocopter and the EADS Group.

At its production facility on Brisbane Airport, Australian Aerospace is currently assembling and delivering 46 MRH90 multi-role helicopters for the Army and Navy and supporting 22 Tiger ARH armed reconnaissance helicopters for the Australian Army.

The company supports more than 400 Eurocopter helicopters in the Australia-Pacific region and is well positioned to deliver and support helicopters through a network of local facilities.

In addition to its helicopter capabilities, Australian Aerospace supports the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) AP-3C Orion reconnaissance aircraft and C-130J Hercules transports. The company is also involved in supporting the RAAF’s new Airbus A330-based Multi-Role Tanker-Transport (MRTT) aircraft and F/A18 (Classic) Hornet fighters.