Austal appoints Campbell as Browning departure date set

Former Senator Ian Campbell will join the board of Henderson-based ship-builder Austal Ltd after former Alinta chief executive Bob Browning leaves to head up Austal's US operations.

This move, to take place on July 31, will maintain the current balance of non-executive, independent directors on the company board, an Austal announcement said.

The full text of a company announcement is pasted below

Austal today announced that Mr Bob Browning will resign from the Board effective 31 July when he takes up the position of Chief Executive Officer of Austal USA.

Austal is pleased to announce that Mr Ian Campbell has accepted a board position to replace Mr Browning, thereby maintaining the current balance of non-executive, independent directors.

Mr Campbell recently concluded a distinguished 17 year career as a Senator for Western Australia in the Australian Federal Parliament.

He is a former Member of Federal Cabinet where he held the portfolios of Environment and heritage and Human Services. As a Federal Minister he also served as Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads.

Executive Chairman John Rothwell commented that Mr Campbell's Western Australian background combined with his Cabinet and Government experience at a national and international level will add value to the Austal Board's strategic global focus.