Navantia has appointed former chief executive officer of the Defence Materiel Organisation, Warren King, as chair of the Navantia Australia board.

King served in the Royal Australian Navy before holding a number of management positions in defence industry, including both small-to-medium enterprises and major US multinational corporations.

As chief executive officer of the former Defence Materiel Organisation (now the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group), he oversaw major acquisition programs including the Hobart class Air Warfare Destroyers (AWDs) and reforms to the sustainment of the Collins class submarines.

“I am delighted to be able to announce the appointment of Warren King as the chair of the Navantia Australia board,” said José Esteban Garcia Vilasanchez, chairman of Navantia S.A.

“There are few people in Australian defence industry who are as respected and experienced as Warren. He brings a vast level of knowledge and expertise to our company.”

King’s appointment as chair of the Navantia Australia board takes formal effect in early October.