Defence SA has appointed Dr Dave Ormrod as its inaugural Director Information Warfare. Commencing on 3 July, Dave is a leader in information warfare (IW) and cyber security with more than 25 years of industry experience.

Defence SA Chief Executive Richard Price said the newly created role will assist in ensuring South Australia is able to maximise opportunities across the key areas of intelligence surveillance reconnaissance and electronic warfare (ISREW), cyber and ICT for Defence and space.

“South Australia is the hub for Information Warfare and the state has significant high quality research depth with potential to capitalise on a range of opportunities under the AUKUS Pillar 2 agreement,” said Richard.

“Dave’s significant experience in the field will be an asset to the state in supporting a sustainable IW industry for South Australia.”

Dave’s perspective as a member of the IW community has been shaped by his experience serving in the Australian Defence Force, as well as working with defence industry, federal and state government, and the cyber security industry more broadly. Throughout his career, Dave has built high performing security teams, tailored cyber security solutions, and acted as a trusted advisor and collaborator to C-suite Executives. He has worked across Australia, Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States.

“It is a great privilege to join the experienced Defence SA team and I appreciate the opportunity to support the development of an enduring, sustainable, and effective IW capability in South Australia,” Dave said.

“I’m excited to be returning to Adelaide. I have a strong desire to further South Australia’s defence industry capabilities, extending upon my career working with the Australian Defence Force, industry, academia and our allies.”

Dave has made the move to Adelaide from Canberra with his wife Amy, where his most recent role was as a Director in the McGrathNicol cyber security risk and strategy business.

In addition to his practical experience from the military and industry, Dave has a PhD in Computer Science and is a graduate of both the Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) Program and the US Joint Staff College, Joint Information Operations Planning Course (JIOPC).