Lockheed Martin has announced the appointment of Jeremy King as the new chief executive for its operations in Australia and New Zealand. King, previously the head of Joint Aviation Systems within the Defence of Australia’s Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG), will officially take on the role on February 23, 2024. He will report directly to Jay Pitman, president of Lockheed Martin International.
In a statement, Pitman emphasized King’s extensive qualifications, 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 takes over from Warren “Macca” McDonald, who has been with Lockheed Martin since July 2021.
King brings over 30 years of service with the Australian Defence Force, having led significant capability programs including the MRH-90 and the Chinook project. Reflecting on his new position, King expressed his enthusiasm: “I am eager to leverage my extensive program leadership experience and commitment to customer success in leading Lockheed Martin’s efforts in Australia and New Zealand. I look forward to strengthening our partnerships and delivering the advanced solutions our customers rely on.”
Strategic Growth in Defence Sector
King’s appointment coincides with Lockheed Martin’s increased involvement in the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise (GWEO). This initiative aims to enhance local production of guided munitions, including the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) and the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM). The Australian military currently operates a variety of Lockheed Martin systems, such as the F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter and the MH-60R naval helicopter.
Lockheed Martin’s focus on augmenting its capabilities in Australia reflects a broader strategy to bolster its presence in the Asia-Pacific region. The company is poised to align its efforts with local defence priorities, thereby contributing to national security and fostering international partnerships. As King steps into his new role, he will be instrumental in navigating these strategic developments, ensuring that Lockheed Martin remains a key player in the Australian and New Zealand defence markets.
With King at the helm, stakeholders are optimistic about the potential for growth and innovation in defence acquisition processes, highlighting the company’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its customers. The transition marks a new chapter for Lockheed Martin in a region where defence collaboration is increasingly vital.
