Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher

The Albanese Government is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Jim McDowell to the ASC Pty Ltd (ASC) Board for a three-year term.

Mr McDowell will commence on the Board as the Deputy Chair and will succeed Mr Bruce Carter AO as the Chair of the ASC Board when Mr Carter’s term ends on 31 December 2025.   

The Government sincerely thanks Mr Carter for his 15 years of dedicated service as its longest-serving Government Business Enterprise director.

Mr McDowell joins the ASC Board at a pivotal time of significant growth and transformation. His unique experience and leadership will guide ASC from a single platform submarine sustainer focused on Collins class submarines, to a multi-platform, nuclear-capable submarine enterprise. 

Mr McDowell brings extensive skills and experience within the defence industry and has deep understanding of complex program management at a national and international level. He was previously the CEO of BAE Systems Australia, CEO of BAE Systems Saudi Arabia and Group CEO of Nova Group. He has also served as Deputy Secretary, Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group in Defence, as Chief Executive of the South Australian Department of Premier and Cabinet and as Chair of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation. 

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

“I welcome Mr McDowell and congratulate him on his appointment and look forward to continuing to work with ASC and its Board as it delivers on key Government priorities. 

“I would also like to thank Mr Carter for his diligent service over the past 15 years. He has transformed ASC into a strong performing business.”