Defence SA has welcomed Anthony Heath as Director Defence Industry – UK, effective 9 September 2024.

The newly established role will bolster ties between South Australia and the United Kingdom, harnessing strategic opportunities for partnerships in both countries’ defence sectors.

Anthony will be responsible for supporting and maintaining close relationships with industry, industry associations and government representatives to support key defence projects.

Throughout his established career, Anthony has held various senior international roles across the private sector, Defence and Government with a strong focus on consulting, crisis management, negotiation and operational planning.

Defence SA Chief Executive Matt Opie said that the appointment signalled closer ties between South Australia and the United Kingdom ahead of AUKUS and would promote collaboration and identify investment and trade opportunities.

“The challenges and opportunities that lie ahead of us are immense. Anthony’s role will be instrumental in opening doors for strategic connection, collaboration and long-term success,” Mr Opie said.

“Anthony’s global experience, deep understanding of defence and strong network made him the ideal candidate for the role, and we are excited to see the impact he will make.”

Anthony attended the Royal Military College, Duntroon, setting him up for a 30-year military career within the Australian regular and reserve forces.

He pursued post graduate studies at the London School of Economics, focusing on the economics of offset programmes in major defence projects, leading him to a career that has traversed the private and public sectors, mainly in an international context.

Anthony’s private sector experience includes working for an international management consultancy and a major UK multi-national, managing projects in Australia, United Kingdom and Germany. He also holds substantial experience in Defence-related foreign direct investment attraction and export facilitation, working with European companies looking to establish an Australian presence as well as Australian companies pursuing European expansion.

Anthony is genuinely thrilled to represent Defence SA on the global stage.

“Defence SA has long been the benchmark amongst states for Defence-related investment attraction and indigenous defence industry promotion,” he said.

“Having someone in market representing South Australia’s defence industry interests provides unique opportunities for broadening networks, real-time market intelligence and proactive trade facilitation.”

Anthony holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree, a Master of Management and Masters of Defence Studies from the University of New South Wales, a Master of Science from the London School of Economics and a Master of Laws from Monash University. He has also completed the Foreign Direct Investment Leadership Programme at Churchill College, Cambridge.