UK defence and security electronics system specialist SEA has appointed Jim Manson as Business Development Advisor to develop its presence and support existing partners and customers in Australia and New Zealand.
Jim arrives at SEA with 24 years of military service and 17 years of business development and marketing experience internationally in the defence and high technology sectors. Actively engaged in the development of defence industry policy, Jim is currently Co-Chair of the Australian Maritime Environment Working Group and works closely with prime contractors, OEMs and SMEs in both Australia and New Zealand.
In the new role, Jim will be tasked with developing business relations in across the countries and supporting existing partnerships, including with Daronmont Technologies, with whom SEA signed a memorandum of understanding in November 2018. The partnership will enable SEA to pursue opportunities with the Australian submarine and naval shipbuilding programs and establish a specialist unit in Adelaide planned for 2019.
Jim Manson said: “I am extremely pleased to be joining SEA at this time, to help it maximise the many growth opportunities for its innovative technology offering within the Australian defence sector and in particular the upcoming SEA1000 and SEA5000 programs. I’m looking forward to working closely with the Defence Science and Technology Group to showcase the company’s technology, including its integrated communication systems, weapon agnostic launcher systems and training and simulation capabilities.
“It is also a crucial time for New Zealand’s military, as it looks to extend the lifespan of its Navy fleet into the 2030s through communication system upgrades. This is a great opportunity for SEA and I’m excited to be sharing the company’s innovative solutions with our partners in the region.”
Steve Hill, Managing Director at SEA: “Jim’s extensive leadership and management experience will be invaluable in developing SEA’s operations in Australia and New Zealand.
“Jim has a wealth of experience working with a range of Australasian defence companies - he has a fantastic knowledge of the industry in Australia and New Zealand, and we are delighted that he has joined our team to establish and strengthen our partnerships in the region.”
