AUSTAL Ships vice president military projects Kim Gillis has joined the Defence Materiel Organisation as program manager amphibious vessels.
Mr Gillis joined Austal in 2001 and took his military projects role in 2002.
He was the joint bid manager for the DMS/Austal patrol boat project and the Austal project manager for the General Dynamics design and construction bid for US Navy Littoral Combat Ships project.
Mr Gillis previously had 20 years with the Australian Customs Service in various roles including director marine acquisitions for the Bay Class Patrol Boats.
Mr Gillis is one of three highly experienced defence and industry project management experts who will head up the DMO’s new ships program that includes new amphibious vessels and air warfare destroyers.