Babcock has announced that Andrew Cridland has been appointed as Babcock Australasia CEO, effective 1 July.
He succeeds David Ruff, who is retiring at the end of July after 15 years with the Group.
Cridland is currently Babcock Australasia’s Chief Financial Officer and reportedly enters the top job in the region following an extensive internal and external recruitment process. Having joined Babcock in 2015, his career spans more than 20 years in Australia and the UK.
Prior to joining the international defence company, Cridland worked for a number of large organisations including Royal Dutch Shell, the Australian Submarine Corporation and Greencap, previously owned by Wesfarmers. He is a Chartered Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Adelaide.
Based at the Group’s regional head office in Adelaide, South Australia, he will lead Babcock’s continued growth in the region.
“Andrew’s extensive leadership qualities and in-depth knowledge of our business will ensure we continue to deliver the critical services which help keep our customers and communities safe in a period of increasing regional tensions," Babcock CEO David Lockwood said.
“I’d like to thank David for his dedication and hard work throughout his many years of service. His leadership has been pivotal in driving the expansion of our operations across the region, and the Board wishes him every happiness in his well-deserved retirement.”
“I’m delighted to be taking up the role at such an exciting time for the industry," Cridland said. "Now more than ever, what we do matters. I look forward to driving further success in the region as we continue to support our customers and build a safe and secure world, together.”
The company recently acquired Australia’s Naval Ship Management (NSM) business, and in the past 12 months has secured three landmark contracts totalling more than $1 billion, including Babcock Australasia’s single largest-ever contract to date – a $877 million multi-year programme to upgrade the Australian Defence Force’s Defence High Frequency Communications System.
The company says a search is currently underway to appoint Cridland’s successor.