James Jim McDowell

Mr McDowell is Former Deputy Secretary, Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment - Australian Department of Defence and prior to this role was Chief Executive of Nova Systems. Jim has more than 40 years of experience in international defense and aerospace sectors and has lived and worked in the UK, the USA, Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia. Jim joined BAE Systems in 1996 and his last executive appointment with the Group was as Chief Executive Officer of their A$5 billion annual turnover business operations in Saudi Arabia. Prior to this he was Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems Australia for 10 years. Based in Adelaide, he drove an expansion program. Prior to his time at BAE Systems Jim worked for 18 years at aerospace Group Bombardier Shorts in legal, commercial and marketing positions. From 2018 to 2020 Jim was Chief Executive of South Australia's Department of Premier and Cabinet. He is a member of the Risk Committee and People Committee.