Former Defence Minister Kim Beazley has joined the board of Lockheed Martin Australia.
The company made the announcement of Beazley’s appointment in a statement on Thursday.
Beazley, who was also Deputy Prime Minister and recently ended a seven-year stint as Australia’s Ambassador to the United States, said he had a “deep respect for Lockheed Martin, both as an industry leader and a technology innovator”.
“I look forward to contributing to Lockheed Martin Australia’s ongoing success as a key technology partner to Australia’s Defence Force and broader industry sector,” Beazley said in a statement on Thursday.
Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand chief executive Raydon Gates described Beazley as one of Australia’s most distinguished statesmen.
“As a passionate advocate for Australian industry and a former Defence Minister, Kim brings invaluable experience to the Lockheed Martin Australia Board,” Gates said.
Lockheed Martin is the manufacturer of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Australia has ordered 72 F-35A aircraft.
Currently, Beazley is the national president of the Australian Institute of International Affairs.
