John Rothwell

Mr Rothwell has played a role in the development of the Australian aluminium shipbuilding industry approaching 50 years of experience in boat and shipbuilding. John identified markets for high speed ferries throughout Asia which resulted in Austal's growth. He saw the potential for US Defense contracts for high-speed aluminium naval ships and he led the formation of a new shipyard in Mobile, Alabama in 1999. John was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in January 2004 for services to the Australian shipbuilding industry, and for contributions to vocational education and training.