Ian Spencer – Executive Director Defence and Industry

Ian’s distinguished career spans nearly four decades in Defence, electronic warfare and space across the public, private and not-for profit sectors.

As Executive Director Defence and Industry for Defence SA, Ian is responsible for delivering initiatives that support the growth of South Australia’s defence and space sectors whilst strengthening relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Ian’s entry into the Defence industry began as a rifleman in the Army Reserve in his teenage years before transitioning into the Royal Australian Navy where he served for 22 years as a Sailor and Aerospace Engineer.

After leaving service, Ian continued his dedication to Defence as a senior Navy electronic warfare systems engineer in the Australian Public Service.

In 2015, he founded a consultancy specialising in electronic warfare (EW) systems and went on to establish a business focused on advanced technology solutions for satellite applications in 2019.

Through executive leadership roles and directorships, notably as CEO of a Defence SME, Ian spearheaded ground-breaking initiatives, expanding teams and driving innovation in electronic warfare technologies.

His consultancy work on major Defence acquisition programs, together with hands-on experience within the Navy, underscores his adeptness in navigating complex stakeholder environments and ensuring operational excellence.

In 2007, Ian relocated his family to South Australia which they have since made their permanent home. As a father of five, Ian is a passionate advocate for his adopted state. He is dedicated to fostering community and collaboration within the defence and space industries and actively serves his local community.

He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from RMIT University and a Certificate IV in Computer Science, Technical and Scientific Communication from RMIT TAFE.

lan is a member of Defence SA’s Executive Team.

Jessica Hernandez – Director Corporate Affairs and Government Relations

Jessica Hernandez commenced with Defence SA in October 2011 and is one of the agency’s longest-serving staff members.

Initially joining the Marketing and Events team, Jessica has held several roles over this time, and has been a key driver and contributor to the marketing strategy and industry engagement for the agency, strengthening South Australia’s position as the Defence State.

In her role as Director Corporate Affairs and Government Relations, Jessica is accountable for the strategic oversight and leadership of best practice marketing, events, strategic communications and media activities for the agency, and is Defence SA’s executive lead across all State Government marketing and communications matters. This includes responsibility for all agency portfolios; Defence SA, South Australian Space Industry Centre, Defence Innovation Partnership and Veterans SA.

In addition, Jessica is responsible for the agency’s Government Relations services, including the effective engagement, relationship management and delivery of briefings and correspondence to state and federal government stakeholders, including ministerial offices and the Defence SA Advisory Board.

Jessica holds a Diploma of Event Management and has previously worked for South Australian professional conference organiser, All Occasions Group. As the Senior Event Coordinator, Jessica coordinated conferences and events around Australia for a variety of associations and private companies for up to 2,500 delegates at a time.

Prior to joining Defence SA, Jessica also worked for Advantage SA (formerly SA Great) as Program Manager. In her role at Advantage SA, she managed the successful Speakers In Schools program, exposing South Australian students to the vast range of career opportunities available within the state and the South Australian of the Year and Regional Awards Programs recognising the excellence and innovation of individuals and businesses.

Jessica is a graduate of the AmCham Global Leadership Academy, completing the program in 2022.

Jessica is a member of Defence SA’s Executive Team.

Ilona Horan – Director Corporate Services and Director Land

Ilona Horan is the Director of Corporate Services and Director Land at Defence SA. Ilona joined Defence SA in September 2016, where she has fulfilled various roles in strategic planning, project management and investment and relocation support.

In her current role, Ilona oversees the agency’s entire corporate services functions, including the management of human resources, WHS, procurement and contracting, while also supporting defence and space organisations to invest and establish in South Australia. She provides strategic advice and assists South Australian-based Defence Force personnel to navigate state government processes.

As Director Land, Ilona is dedicated to developing and delivering a range of activities aimed at enhancing local defence industry capabilities and opportunities in the Land domain. She also spearheads Defence SA’s strategic participation in major Defence infrastructure projects, collaborating with various government agencies to strengthen South Australia’s position as a hub for significant Defence infrastructure.

Since joining Defence SA, Ilona has played a crucial role in facilitating the development of the RAAF P8-A Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility and assisting in the establishment of the Australian Space Agency headquarters in South Australia. Ilona also manages the Defence and Space Landing Pad at Lot Fourteen, which provides a base for international and interstate companies to establish permanent operations in South Australia.

Prior to joining Defence SA, Ilona served in the Australian Regular Army for over 18 years, undertaking a number of regimental, training and instructional postings throughout Australia. This included a posting in command of the Army’s Logistic Support Element at RAAF Base Edinburgh, as well as deployment to East Timor and Iraq.

Since transitioning from the Regular Army in 2017, Ilona has remained an Active Reservist, where she serves as a Lieutenant Colonel. Between January 2001 to December 2023 she served as the Commanding Officer/Chief Instructor of the Adelaide Universities Regiment, and is currently posted to the Australian War College as a member of the Directing Staff for Australian Command and Staff College – Remote.

Ilona’s formal qualifications include a Master of Applied Science (with Distinction) from the University of Western Sydney; a Master of Management from the University of New South Wales and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Adelaide. She is the Presiding Officer of the South Australian Veteran’s Health Advisory Council and remains actively involved in South Australia’s Army and veteran community.

Ilona is a member of Defence SA’s Executive Team.

Glen Gallagher – Director Advanced Systems

Glen Gallagher joined Defence SA in September 2024, and is responsible for developing strategies to grow opportunities for South Australian defence industry to support projects related to AUKUS Pillar II and battlespace awareness.

With more than 28 years of dedicated service to the Royal Australian Air Force, Glen has extensive operational Airborne C4ISREW (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare) experience in both the maritime and aerospace domains.

Prior to joining Defence, Glen continued to support Australia’s national interests through his role with Boeing Defence Australia, where he held leadership roles including P-8A Training Operations and Cyber Manager, Program Safety Management Systems and most recently, Operations Manager.

Glen holds a master’s degree in engineering science – majoring in Aerospace Engineering and a master’s degree in systems engineering – majoring in Weapons and Ordnance. He is also a graduate of the United States Navy’s Fighter Weapons School as qualified Weapons Tactics Instructor and a former Naval Flight Officer Instructor.

Glen continues to serve as an Air Force Reservist and is a member of the Institute of Engineers Australia and the Royal Aeronautical Society (Australian Division). He is currently pursuing a Global Executive MBA (Defence and Space) through the University of South Australia.

Sumen Rai – Director, Defence Innovation Partnership

Sumen Rai is Director of the Defence Innovation Partnership (DIP), a collaborative initiative of the South Australian Government, Defence Science and Technology Group and the three South Australian universities.

She is responsible for leading national and international R&D engagement and collaboration between researchers, industry and government, to deliver innovative solutions to Defence as well as supporting research, development and innovation activities for Defence SA and the South Australian Space Industry Centre.

Sumen has extensive government experience in developing and delivering major initiatives across investment attraction, trade, and industry development in the mining engineering, services and technologies, cleantech, space, and defence sectors.

She has been involved in driving novel initiatives such as the Convergence Series which foster conversations about major defence and national security challenges through transdisciplinary perspectives and collaboration.

Sumen has previously worked as a teacher and lecturer in Arts and Design & Technology, a science communicator, and coordinator of outreach and engagement initiatives including several open government hackathons such as the NASA Space Apps Challenge.

Sumen holds a Master of Sustainability, Bachelor of Arts (Hons), Bachelor of Education (Hons), and Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Spatial Science.

Sumen is a member of Defence SA’s Executive Team.

Peter Murdock – Director, Finance & Systems

Peter Murdock is Director, Finance & Systems at Defence SA. Joining the team in 2012, Peter brings extensive experience in finance and management across private and public sector organisations.

In his current role, Peter is responsible for overseeing the agency’s financial resources, including budget planning, finance management and legislative reporting. He supports the executive team by offering insights and financial advice, as well as providing cyber security leadership and guidance.

Having worked across a range of industries, including commercial, agricultural, transport, real estate and the arts, Peter has significant experience in general management, strategic planning, financial management, budget development, as well as business and computerised system design and implementation.

Peter holds a Bachelor of Economics, majoring in Accounting. He is a charted accountant through the Australian Institute of Chartered Accountants.

Peter is a member of Defence SA’s Executive Team.

Mel Slater – Director, Maritime

Mel Slater joined Defence SA as Director, Maritime in December 2023. The focus of his role is to develop and deliver a program of activities that grows Defence presence and contributes to a sustainable defence industry within the state.

Mel has over 40 years’ experience in shipbuilding construction (including submarines, patrol boats, frigates, minehunters, and diving systems) across engineering, major subcontracts, and senior management positions, with over 30 of those years working here in South Australia.

Prior to joining Defence SA, Mel worked on major projects including the Attack class submarine program and AIR6500, responsible for aspects of sourcing within the supply chain through market solicitations, evaluations, subcontract negotiations and executions, with overall cost and schedule responsibilities.

Mel has also worked on several other key Defence projects in the state, including the design and construction of the Collins class submarines, construction of the Hobart class Air Warfare Destroyers, and projects within the land and air domains.

Mel has formal qualifications in Mechanical Engineering, Project Management (CPPD (AIPM) and PMP (PMI)) and Business Management (MBA).

Anthony Heath – Director Defence Industry – UK

Anthony joined Defence SA in September 2024 and is based in the United Kingdom.

In his new role, Anthony is responsible for supporting and maintaining close relationships with international industry, industry associations and government representatives to support key defence projects.

Born in Sydney, Anthony attended the Royal Military College, commissioned as an infantry officer and has enjoyed a 30-year military career in both the regular and reserve forces.

Throughout his extensive career, Anthony has held various senior international roles across the private, public, and Defence sectors, with a strong focus on consulting, project and crisis management, negotiation and operational planning.

Anthony’s private sector experience includes working for an international management consultancy and a major UK multi-national, managing projects in Australia, United Kingdom and Germany. He has also developed substantial experience in Defence related foreign direct investment attraction and export facilitation, working with European companies looking to establish an Australian presence, and Australian companies looking to European expansion.

Anthony continues to serve as a Colonel in the Australian Defence Force (SERCAT 3 – Standby Reserve), is a Magistrate within the UK judiciary and is also a Freeman of the City of London and a Liveryman of the Ironmongers Company.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Arts, a Master of Management (Information Systems) and Master of Defence Studies from the University of New South Wales; a Master of Science (Econ) from the London School of Economics and a Master of Laws (Juris Doctor) from Monash University. He has also completed the Foreign Direct Investment Leadership Programme at Churchill College, Cambridge.