Matt Opie commenced as Chief Executive of Defence SA in April 2024. Matt’s priority is to support and grow the defence and space sectors in South Australia to contribute to the state’s prosperity and national defence capability. His role also encompasses the Chief Executive of the South Australian Space Industry Centre and responsibility for the Defence Innovation Partnership and Veterans SA.
An Australian Defence Force Academy and Royal Military College Duntroon graduate, Matt has held senior defence positions across government, industry and academia throughout his 35-year career.
He served as an officer in the Royal Australian Corps of Signals in Australia, Europe and the Middle East.
Matt has worked on high-tech defence projects in the Asia-Pacific, US, and Europe with defence forces, governments, research organisations, and the private sector.
Before joining Defence SA, Matt served as Director of Defence and Space at the University of South Australia, where he was responsible for the university’s research strategies and engagement with the defence and space sectors. He has also held various roles at Saab and BAE Systems in program management, business development, and industry engagement.
Matt has a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration.