National:

The AIDN National Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Mike Johnson as AIDN National CEO, effective 20 January 2025.

Mike brings extensive leadership experience within the Defence industry SME sector, with a proven track record in strategic growth, capital raising, and P&L management. He is a registered Federal Government lobbyist with deep expertise in Defence sector governance, industry advocacy, and fostering relationships with Defence stakeholders and government representatives.

His appointment follows a comprehensive executive search process led by Bridget Gray of Gray’s Talent. Mike was selected for his operational excellence, delivery-focused leadership, and strong strategic vision for AIDN’s future.

AIDN National’s Chair, Carl Quarterman, said: “As AIDN enters its 30th year, this milestone marks an exciting new chapter. Engaging a new CEO strengthens our journey toward becoming the Peak Defence Industry Association. Mike’s extensive experience will support the continued development of AIDN, helping us achieve our core objectives of growth, effective advocacy, and positioning AIDN as the leading voice for the Defence industry both domestically and globally.”

Incoming AIDN National CEO, Mike Johnson, said: “I am excited to engage with Australia’s innovative and capable Defence Industry SMEs and advocate on their behalf to Defence and Government. AIDN plays a critical role within the Defence ecosystem, building national capability and resilience in support of Australia’s defence objectives.”

The AIDN National Board also extends its sincere thanks to Brent Clark for his dedicated leadership over the past 4.5 years. Under Brent’s guidance, AIDN significantly advanced its advocacy, strengthened national representation, and enhanced its relationships across government and industry.

The appointment of AIDN’s new National CEO follows the organisation’s recent Annual General Meeting (AGM), held on 21 November 2024, where AIDN National members elected their new Board.

Carl Quarterman was re-elected as Chair of AIDN National. Alexander Robinson secured a second two-year term on the Board and was appointed Treasurer. Sarah Cullens was re-elected for a second two-year term, joining continuing Board members Sarah Pavillard, elected Deputy Chair; Nathalie Sarlin, elected Board Secretary; and Joel Nevin.

The Board also welcomes newly elected member Demi Stefanova, CEO of the Quickstep Group. Demi brings extensive operational expertise spanning multiple industry sectors, further strengthening the Board’s leadership capabilities.

The newly elected AIDN National represents diversity across the Defence Industry with experience working across the domains, as well as a range of Defence Industry engagement both above and below the line activities. The Board also reflects geographic representation from Queensland, the ACT, New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia, ensuring a broad, national perspective in its advocacy and leadership efforts.

As AIDN celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2025 and heads into a federal election year, it remains committed to ensuring that Australian-owned and controlled companies—particularly SMEs—compete on a level playing field, securing meaningful work to support the ADF while contributing to a sovereign and resilient Australian Defence Industry.