Andrew Cridland has been appointed as the new CEO of Babcock Australasia, effective from the start of July, Babcock International announced on 27 June 2023. He succeeds David Ruff, who is retiring from the group at the end of July.
Cridland is currently Babcock Australasia’s chief financial officer (CFO) and enters the top job in the region following an extensive internal and external recruitment process. Having joined Babcock in 2015, his career spans more than 20 years in Australia and the United Kingdom.
Prior to joining Babcock, Cridland worked for a number of large organisations, including Royal Dutch Shell, the Australian Submarine Corporation and Greencap, previously owned by Wesfarmers. He is a chartered accountant and holds a bachelor of commerce degree from the University of Adelaide.
Based at the group’s regional head office in Adelaide, South Australia, Cridland “will lead Babcock’s continued growth in the region”, the company said in a press release.
“Andrew’s extensive leadership qualities and in-depth knowledge of our business will ensure we continue to deliver the critical services that help keep our customers and communities safe in a period of increasing regional tensions,” stated Babcock International CEO David Lockwood.
“I’d like to thank David for his dedication and hard work throughout his many years of service,” he added. “His leadership has been pivotal in driving the expansion of our operations across the region, and the Board wishes him every happiness in his well-deserved retirement.”
Cridland himself was quoted as saying, “I’m delighted to be taking up the role at such an exciting time for the industry. Now more than ever, what we do matters. I look forward to driving further success in the region as we continue to support our customers and build a safe and secure world, together.”
The company recently acquired Australia’s Naval Ship Management (NSM) business and in the past 12 months has secured three landmark contracts totalling more than USD 1 Bn (EUR 0.91 Bn), including Babcock Australasia’s single largest-ever contract to date: a USD 877 M multi-year programme to upgrade the Australian Defence Force’s Defence High Frequency Communications System.
A search is currently underway to appoint Cridland’s successor as Babcock Australasia CFO.
Peter Felstead
