Andrew MathewsonManaging Director, Airbus Australia Pacific and Airbus Head of Australia & New Zealand

Andrew Mathewson was appointed Managing Director of Airbus Australia Pacific and Airbus Head of Country Australia & New Zealand on 1 January 2019. 

Andrew joined the Australian Army as an Apprentice Fitter and Turner at the age of 15 in 1980. After completing his apprenticeship and graduating from the Royal Military College Duntroon as an Army Officer, he worked mainly in the technical realm, working on a range of weapons and armoured vehicle projects as an engineer, logistician and project manager. In 2003 Andrew joined the Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter project before working in Army Headquarters and subsequently as a military attaché at the Australian High Commission, London. In 2008 he was appointed Project Director of the Multirole Helicopter Project, introducing the NH90 into Australian Navy and Army service. 

In 2011 Andrew was promoted to Brigadier as Director General Army Aviation Systems, an appointment held for five years, before being appointed as Head Helicopter Systems Division within the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group. In 2015 Andrew was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia. After being fortunate enough to rise from Apprentice to Major General over a period of 38 years, Andrew retired from Army service in late 2017. Following transition from Army service, Andrew worked with Team Defence Australia, supporting small to medium enterprises, he also undertook consultancy services on strategic procurement as well as being appointed as a Professor within Deakin University. 

Andrew has completed a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (1st Class Honours), a Master of Business Administration (Technology Management), a Master of Science (Defence Technology) and a Master of Defence Studies.