Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher

The Albanese Government is pleased to announce the appointments of two Non-Executive Directors to the ASC Pty Ltd (ASC) Board and the appointment of Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

The Government has reappointed Dr Janis Cocking PSM as Non-Executive Director to the ASC Board for a further three-year term, commencing 24 January 2026.

Dr Cocking has been a Non-Executive Director on the ASC Board since 2023. Dr Cocking’s reappointment will provide continuity and stability to the ASC Board during the period of significant growth and transformation into a multi-platform, nuclear-capable submarine enterprise. Dr Cocking will continue to bring her extensive technical submarine knowledge and defence industry experience to the ASC Board.

The Government has appointed Mr Jonathan Simcock as Non-Executive Director to the ASC Board for a three -year term, having commenced on 27 November 2025.

Mr Simcock brings extensive nuclear and large organisation experience across government and the private sector. Mr Simcock’s previous roles as Chair of the UK’s Submarine Delivery Agency and Non-Executive Director of Sellafield Limited provide the ASC Board with the experience and awareness to mature and build a nuclear mindset and safety culture including engaging with nuclear regulators.

The Government is also pleased to appoint Mr Alex Walsh as Acting CEO, commencing on 12 December 2025. Mr Walsh will succeed Mr Stuart Whiley, the current CEO of ASC, when he retires and will be Acting CEO until a process to identify a permanent CEO is concluded.

Mr Walsh is a senior executive at ASC and currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer for Multi-Class Sustainment Delivery and Chief Nuclear and Capability Officer. Mr Walsh’s previous roles include Executive Manager Engineering at Sellafield Limited and Head of Nuclear Construction and Head of Nuclear Safety Engineering at BAE Systems. Mr Walsh’s nuclear engineering skills and experience will help lead the organisation’s transformation and engagement between Australian, UK and US government officials and other industry partners.

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

“The Albanese Government recognises the critical importance of building strong leadership and nuclear experience and capability within the ASC Board and the leadership team. These appointments demonstrate the Government’s commitment to support ASC in the sustainment of the Collins class fleet and the sustainment and build of nuclear-powered submarines.

“I congratulate Dr Cocking on her reappointment and welcome Mr Simcock to the ASC Board. I also congratulate Mr Walsh 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 Whiley for the dedication and commitment to excellence he demonstrated during his extraordinary career, spanning more than three decades at ASC. Stuart’s leadership has positioned ASC to successfully achieve the Australian Government’s national security priorities.”