The Defence SA Advisory Board has welcomed former Chief of the Australian Army, Lieutenant General Rick Burr AO DSC MVO (Retd) as its new Chair.

Burr, who joined the Board in October 2024, replaces highly respected Vice Admiral Russ Crane AO CSM RAN (Retd), who has stepped down after 14 years of distinguished service, including as chair. His tenure and expertise have made a pivotal contribution to the state’s defence landscape.

Bringing decades of strategic and operational experience to the role of Chair, Burr said he was honoured to lead the Board at such a pivotal time in the state’s defence and space sectors.

“South Australia has a deserved reputation as the Defence State,” he said.

“In this era of massive technological and geostrategic disruption, there is important opportunity for the state’s innovative defence and space sector to contribute to national security, supply chain resilience and economic growth.”

The reshuffle also includes a new appointment, with defence industry leader Christine Zeitz joining the Board. Zeitz brings significant private sector expertise, having most recently served as Chief Executive and General Manager for Northrop Grumman Australia.

“I’m excited to work alongside my fellow board members to support the state’s strategic defence and space ambitions and ensure South Australian industry continues to thrive across key defence domains,” Zeitz said.

Global submarine expert Steve Ludlam has also been reappointed. Ludlam, who previously led the submarines division at Rolls-Royce in the UK, will play a key role as South Australia prepares to deliver Australia’s fleet of SSN-AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines.

Defence industry veteran Merv Davis has concluded his six-year term, while continuing members Air Vice Marshal Cath Roberts AO CSC (Retd) and Major General Kathryn Toohey AM CSC (Retd) remain on the Board. Defence SA Chief Executive Matt Opie also continues as an ex-officio member.

Defence SA Chief Executive Matt Opie welcomed the new appointments and extended a sincere thanks to outgoing members Vice Admiral Russ Crane and Merv Davis for their significant contributions to the State.

“I sincerely thank Vice Admiral Crane and Merv Davis for their valuable contributions to the Defence SA Advisory Board. Their expertise has played an important role in fostering the growth of the state’s defence industry and shaping its strategic direction,” said Mr Opie.

“These changes are a continuation of the incredibly high calibre of Defence and industry expertise on the Defence SA Advisory Board, and come at a crucial time for South Australia’s defence and space sectors as we experience a period of rapid growth, global collaboration and strategic opportunity.”

Read the media release.