NIOA’s new group structure reflects business ‘inflection point’

Australian munitions company NIOA today unveiled a corporate reorganisation and new executive appointments that Group CEO Rob Nioa said reflected an inflection point in the company’s development.

The reorganisation comes hot on the heels of the Queensland company’s acquisition of US-based rifle manufacturer and designer Barrett.

Nioa said the family-owned NIOA was at an inflection point as it celebrated 50 years in business.

He said: “This restructure streamlines our operations and sets us up for future growth as we expand geographically, enhance our capabilities and continue to deliver outstanding results for our customers.

“NIOA has been built on a foundation of hard work, loyalty and a can-do attitude. Those values continue to unite us. As always, wherever we operate our people are our greatest capability.”

NIOA Australia, NIOA New Zealand, the Australian Missile Corporation, joint venture company, Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions and newly acquired Barrett Firearms now come under the umbrella of the NIOA Group and include:

• NIOA Australia and NIOA New Zealand which consolidates the defence, law enforcement and sporting markets in those countries as the largest privately-owned supplier of firearms, weapons, munitions and accessories
• US-based Barrett continues to supply long-range weapons systems to the US military and its allies as well as products to law enforcement agencies and civilian markets
• The Australian Missile Corporation is the independently operated enterprise partner for the Australian Government’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance enterprise
• And the Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions artillery shell forging plant in Maryborough, Queensland is a joint venture with Rheinmetall of Germany.

Nioa simultaneously announced a number of executive appointments with former NIOA Weapons and Munitions General Manager Ben James (pictured) promoted to the position of CEO for NIOA Australia and New Zealand.

Coo Nigel Everingham will now serve as Group Chief Operating Officer, Jackson Nioa becomes Group Chief Financial Officer, Lee Goddard continues in his position as CEO of the Australian Missile Corporation and Sam Shallenberger becomes CEO of Barrett with Bryan K. James the new President.

Under the restructure, the NIOA advisory board and former Australian Missile Corporation board become one NIOA Group board chaired by former Australian Defence Minister Christopher Pyne.

The board includes former US Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, Ellen Lord, former MP David Feeney, former Australian Army soldier Mark Donaldson VC, US Army Brigadier General (Ret’d) and former Commander Picatinny Arsenal, Alfred Abramson, Dr Ken Anderson, former Chief of the Aerospace Division in the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), and Tom Seymour, CEO of PwC Australia.

Picture: Ben James, the new CEO of NIOA Australia and New Zealand