Civmec chief lands State role

Premier Mark McGowan has announced Commodore Mike Deeks as the new Agent General for Western Australia, with the Henderson-based Forgacs Marine and Defence managing director set to take over the role in July.

Mr Deeks, who is a respected business professional having worked in a number of key roles including general manager of defence for Civmec, will replace outgoing Agent General John Atkins.

In the London-based role Mr Deeks will work to promote WA as an investment and trade destination, focusing on the defence and shipbuilding sectors.

Mr McGowan said Mr Deeks was an outstanding choice as new Agent General of WA, with extensive experience in the defence, resources, training and maritime sectors.

“Defence is a key pillar to diversifying the economy and creating more jobs for Western Australians, and Mr Deeks will play an important role in advocating for our State’s defence and shipbuilding industries,” he said.

Mr Deeks led a bid for the Royal Australian Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessel project, successfully securing $1 billion and 10 years of production work for Western Australian industry.

He has also worked as chairman of the Australian Marine Complex Common User Facility Stage 2 infrastructure development project oversight group.

The project included designing, developing, constructing and installing a floating dock and purpose-built wharves for naval warships and submarines.

In 2005, Mr Deeks was listed on the Queen’s Birthday Honours list and awarded a Conspicuous Service Cross for ‘superior leadership, consummate management skills and a total commitment to the submarine service’.