SA premier’s right hand man Jim McDowell to take the helm at a fast-growing defence contractor

The outgoing CEO of the Department of Premier and Cabinet is going back to his roots in the private sector.

Jim McDowell has been employed by Nova, owned by Jim Whalley, pictured here flying a FA/18 Hornet.

Jim McDowell is headed back to the defence sector, taking the top role at Adelaide-based Nova Group.

It was announced this morning that Mr McDowell would step down from his role as chief executive of the Department of Premier and Cabinet, to be replaced by BankSA chief executive Nick Reade.

Nova, which is a defence contractor, is owned by South Australia’s chief entrepreneur, former fighter pilot Jim Whalley, who founded it in 2000.

The company now employs about 650 people across Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia the UK and Europe.

Nov Group founder Jim Whalley pictured with one of his planes a de Havilland Chipmunk in Woodside.

Prior to his time in State Government, Mr McDowell had a long history in the defence sector, working for Bombardier Shorts for almost two decades, before joining British Aerospace, which later became BAE Systems.

He was responsible for setting up the BAE Systems Australia headquarters in Adelaide, and was Chancellor of the University of South Australia before joining government.

“Jim is the right person to lead Nova into the future ushering in an exciting new chapter of the company’s long and proud history,” said Mr Whalley, who now chairs the business.

“He has a proven record of leadership and a breadth of business experience that we believe is critical to lead Nova, including the ability to forge major client relationships and a commitment to our people and the behaviours we want to emulate.

“We are on a growth path at Nova and are very well-positioned to continue building on our strong momentum and capitalise on the many opportunities the future holds. I welcome Jim to the Nova family.’’

Former Premier and Cabinet Department chief Jim McDowell. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

Mr McDowell said he was excited to join the team at Nova.

“I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead this exceptional Australian owned and operated company - one that has so much potential, and is full of smart people,” he said.

“Together with the group’s executive leadership team, it is my goal to ensure we continue to make Nova’s approach to people our point of difference, keep value generation at the forefront of our minds and focus on our clients.

“These have always been at the core of Nova and I will continue to keep them front-and-centre as we move forward.”

Mr McDowell is serving, or has served, on the board of several major Australian businesses and community organisations. including the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Air Warfare Destroyer Principals Council, the Royal Automobile Association (RAA), Adelaide Football Club, The Australian Strategic Policy Institute Council and St Peter’s College Council of Governors.

Westpac, the parent company of BankSA, has not made any announcement about Mr Reade’s replacement.

Westpac Group acting chief executive consumer, Richard Burton, said Mr Reade had made a significant contribution to the BankSA and Westpac since joining the group in 2014.

“Nick has provided strong industry and community leadership and has been an advocate for our customers, communities and economic growth in South Australia. He leaves a strong legacy at BankSA, where he has repositioned the brand to deliver results across both consumer and business banking,’’ he said.

“We wish Nick great success in his new challenge – it’s a testament to his passion and knowledge of the state of South Australia.’’

Julie Cooper, who has served as interim group CEO at Nova since June, will return to her role as non executive director on the Nova Group board.