The NIOA Group has announced a number of changes to its Advisory Board as part of its continued global expansion and strategic direction.

After years of valuable service and guidance, the Hon. David Feeney, Dr Ken Anderson and Mr Dan Olson have stepped down from their roles as advisors.

As part of the refresh, the company is pleased to welcome the Hon. Brendan O’Connor to the Advisory Board. He joins Hon. Christopher Pyne, Hon. Ellen Lord and Mark Donaldson VC on the board while Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Lee Goddard who recently stepped aside as CEO of the Australian Missile Corporation will take up the role of Strategic Advisor for the AMC.

Mr O’Connor is a former Federal MP and Minister who served in the House of Representatives from 2001-2025. Throughout his political career he held various ministerial roles, including Minister for Home Affairs, Minister for Skills and Training and Minister for Immigration and Citizenship. He also served as Shadow Defence Minister in 2021-2022.

In conjunction with these changes, Group CEO Rob Nioa will assume the additional role of Executive Chairman.

Mr Nioa will continue to lead the executive team while also taking on broader strategic oversight as part of the combined role.

“We thank David, Ken and Dan for their outstanding contribution - each of them has played a significant part in shaping our company during a period of unprecedented growth and expansion,” Mr Nioa said.

“We welcome Brendan who will bring a wealth of experience and leadership as the company continues to grow and expand its operations.”

About the NIOA Group…

• The NIOA Group includes NIOA Australia, NIOA New Zealand, the Australian Missile Corporation, NIOA Inc [USA], Barrett Firearms [USA], NIOA UK and joint venture company Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions.
• Established in 1973, NIOA Group is a global firearms, weapons and munitions company with operations in Australia, New Zealand, the USA and United Kingdom with a distribution network covering 75 US State Department approved countries.

• NIOA is a major tenant at the Australian government owned, contractor operated (GOCO) munitions facility at Benalla in Victoria where it operates 30mm Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle, 35mm cannon and 120mm Abrams tank ammunition manufacturing capabilities.
• The company is a joint venture partner with Rheinmetall of Germany in the Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions 155mm artillery forging facility in Maryborough, Queensland, delivering key munitions for allied nations.