Leadership Shakeup at HighCom: What Risks Lie Ahead with New CEO Appointment?

Leadership Transition at HighCom

HighCom Limited (ASX – HCL) has announced a significant leadership change with the appointment of Mr Geoffrey Knox as Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. This move follows the resignation of Mr Todd Ashurst as Group CEO. Mr Knox’s arrival marks a new chapter for the company as it seeks to sharpen its strategic focus and operational execution in the competitive defence sector.

Mr Knox brings a wealth of experience, boasting over four decades of executive and board-level roles across defence, infrastructure, mining, energy, transport, and advanced manufacturing. His track record includes scaling complex engineering businesses and delivering major government and blue-chip projects, making him well-suited to steer HighCom through its next growth phase.

A Proven Leader in Defence and Engineering

Before joining HighCom, Knox served as Managing Director and CEO of Eptec Group, a leading Australian defence and infrastructure services provider. Under his leadership, Eptec became a key player in naval asset preservation, supporting critical Defence programs such as the Collins Class Submarines and Hunter Class Frigates. His previous senior roles include leading Downer EDI, GE Mining, GE Transportation Australia, BHP Engineering, and Hatch Associates, underscoring his deep expertise in managing large, asset-intensive operations globally.

Knox is recognised for his commitment to zero-harm safety systems, operational excellence, and cultural transformation, qualities that align closely with HighCom’s defence manufacturing and sustainment activities. His appointment is expected to bolster the company’s operational and manufacturing performance while positioning it for expansion in both the Australian and US defence markets.

Board Reshuffle and Strategic Outlook

Alongside Knox’s appointment, Mr Benjamin Harrison has stepped down as Non-Executive Chairman but will continue to serve as a Non-Executive Director. Harrison, who led the board for the past 18 months, expressed confidence in Knox’s leadership and the company’s future trajectory. The board’s reshuffle signals a clear intent to leverage Knox’s extensive industry experience to execute HighCom’s growth strategy effectively.

Knox has emphasised his immediate priorities – revitalising sales in the HighCom Armor business and supporting the innovative work underway in the Technology Division. HighCom Armor specialises in advanced personal protection ballistic products for military, law enforcement, and first responders, while the Technology Division focuses on small uncrewed aerial systems and sensor payloads for Australian Defence and Security Agencies.

With an annual fee of $540,000 plus GST, Knox’s contract reflects the company’s commitment to securing top-tier leadership to navigate the complexities of the defence sector. His engineering background and executive education further reinforce his capability to lead HighCom through its next phase of growth.