Defence industry leader appointed to University of Adelaide’s Council

The Managing Director of defence and security company Saab Australia, Andy Keough CSC, has been appointed to the University of Adelaide’s Council.

Mr Keough has 35 years’ experience in defence and defence industry. A former Chief Executive of Defence SA, he has held senior roles with Saab Australia, Australian shipbuilder ASC Pty Ltd, and aerospace, defence, transport and security company Thales.

For 22 years Mr Keough served in the Royal Australian Navy, including two commands of Collins Class submarines (HMAS Waller and HMAS Sheean), and a three-year posting with the US Navy’s Submarine Force in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. In 2006 he was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC) for his leadership in the Royal Australian Navy.

Mr Keough is also a Board Member with the State Government’s Training and Skills Commission, and the South Australia Certificate of Education (SACE), and he co-chairs the University of Adelaide’s Industry Advisory Board for the priority area of Defence, Cyber and Space.

The University’s Chancellor, the Hon. Catherine Branson AC QC, said: “We are delighted to welcome Andy Keough to the University’s Council.

“His leadership and strategy experience in defence and defence industry, and his keen understanding of the needs of the future workforce, have already been of great benefit to the University of Adelaide through his work with our Industry Advisory Boards.

“Andy is highly respected in his field and in industry and government more widely. He has shown his willingness to continue supporting the leadership of our University by accepting this position on our Council,” Ms Branson said.

Mr Keough said: “It is an exciting time to be joining the University’s Council, particularly as the State and the University seek to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The University of Adelaide plays a critical role in defence research and workforce training, both of which benefit South Australia and our nation. It will be an honour to contribute to the future of the University through this new role.”

Mr Keough has been appointed to the University’s Council for a period of two years.