Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher

The Australian Government has appointed Ms Fiona Hele and Dr Bronwyn Evans AM as Non-Executive Directors on the Board of CEA Technologies Pty Limited (CEA).

The appointments of Ms Hele and Dr Evans follows the Government acquiring an ownership interest in the leading Australian defence radar systems manufacturer, which will ultimately create a new Government Business Enterprise by January 2025.

A Chartered Accountant with more than 30 years of experience in both the private and public sectors, Ms Hele brings her specialist knowledge in strategic business advisory, risk management and corporate governance to the Board of CEA.

Ms Hele is an experienced Board Director and Audit and Risk Chair. She currently serves as a Director on the Boards of Kelsian Group Limited, Adelaide Venue Management Corporation and Argo Global Listed Infrastructure Ltd.

Dr Evans is a former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with more than 35 years of experience in the private sector, including as the CEO of Engineers Australia, CEO of Standards Australia, and a senior executive at Cochlear Ltd and GE Healthcare. Dr Evans is also an experienced Board Director.

In 2021, Dr Evans was made a Member of the Order of Australia recognising her significant service to engineering, standards and medical technology. Dr Evans is currently the Chair of the Building 4.0 Cooperative Research Centre, a Director of GME Australia, EBR Systems Inc and ACOR Consultants, and a member of the NSW Independent Planning Commission.

Ms Hele and Dr Evans have been appointed for three-year terms and will support CEA to continue to deliver world-leading radar systems for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) over the long-term.

The Australian Government will appoint a third Non-Executive Director to the Board of CEA shortly.

Quotes attributable to the Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP:

“Together, Ms Hele and Dr Evans bring incredibly valued and diverse experience as new Non-Executive Directors to the Board of CEA.

“CEA is a critical supplier of world leading radars to the ADF, and I’m confident Ms Hele and Dr Evans will help the Board drive long-term continued success for the company.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Finance, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher:

“I congratulate both Ms Hele and Dr Evans on their appointments and look forward to working with them.

“Appointing Ms Hele and Dr Evans will help the CEA Board manage a successful transition to a Government Business Enterprise.”