International Project Management Day breakfast

Chris Deeble is the Deputy Secretary of the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) in the Department of Defence. Chris has extensive experience spanning the defence, industry and commercial sectors and working with Government. He also served for 37 years in the Australian Defence Force, most notably as an Air Vice-Marshal

His most recent appointment was Chief Executive at Northrop Grumman Australia. Prior to that he worked for Airservices Australia as the program executive for OneSKY, responsible for delivering the Civil Military Air Traffic Management System for Australia. Chris returns to CASG after previously holding the role of Senior Program Manager where he managed more than $25 billion of complex acquisition and sustainment programs including the Joint Strike Fighter, Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control, Multi Role Tanker Transport and Collins Class Submarine.

Chris has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Sydney. He was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC) in 2007, and recognized in 2016 as an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO).

Bruce started his working career in the Australian Army. On graduating from Portsea Officer Cadet School in 1980, Bruce was posted to 8/12 Medium Regiment, RAA. Highlights of his subsequent military career included service in the Special Air Service Regiment, Command of 8/12 Medium Regiment and his final appointment as Chief of Staff International Force East Timor, prior to the UN handover in 2000.

Since resigning from the Australian Defence Force in late 2000, Bruce’s commercial roles have included: Director Channel Sales and Strategic Alliances for a global enterprise software company; Managing Director for a national building service company and Chief Operating Officer of a publicly listed company in the automotive industry.

In April 2013, Bruce joined Aspen Medical as the Chief of Staff. More recently he has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer for the global operation spanning 14 countries and employing circa 2,000 employees.

With over a decade of experience in National Security, Rachel is an accomplished business leader, national security advisor, intelligence analyst and program and project management practitioner with deep experience in Defence and the National Intelligence Community.

Rachel is a passionate problem-solver who is committed to enabling development of innovative solutions to complex problems. Rachel has a breadth of experience in strategy, program and project management, and capability development in both public and private sectors.

Rachel has established prominence in integrating mission engineering and intelligence-led analytical processes to a variety of business activities, particularly the One Defence Capability System and providing strategic advice to senior government leaders to enable clients respond to an increasingly uncertain and technology-disrupted global environment.

Gillian is the Chief Projects Officer of Major Projects Canberra. The position leads the procurement and delivery of the Territory’s infrastructure program. Other functions of Major Projects Canberra include contractor pre-qualification and IRE Certification, project management and reporting, superintendency of works and WHS Active Certification.

Gillian has dedicated almost 30 years to the building and infrastructure industry and has a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil), First Class Honours from the University of Sydney. She has a strong track record of leadership on major and complex infrastructure projects across multiple sectors and geographies and is passionate about enabling people to be their best as a solid foundation for high performing teams.

Gillian has relocated to the ACT from Newcastle and prior to this role held senior executive roles in the NSW Public Service where she led planning, development and delivery teams for a number of NSW landmark projects including Circular Quay precinct renewal, Western Harbour Tunnel and John Hunter Hospital redevelopment.