- Commodore Mike Deeks CSC RAN (Rtd) announced as WA's new London-based Agent General
- Mr Deeks has extensive experience as a respected business professional
- He will take up the appointment in July 2018 and will promote WA as an investment and trade destination, focusing on the job creating sectors of defence and shipbuilding
Premier Mark McGowan today announced respected Commodore Mike Deeks CSC RAN (Rtd) as the new Agent General for Western Australia.
He will take over the role from outgoing Agent General John Atkins in July and be appointed for a two-year term.
Mr Deeks is a respected business professional with extensive senior executive and board experience in the defence, resources, training and maritime industries, and has worked on government projects, with not-for-profit groups and in the private sector.
He has held a number of key roles including as managing director of Forgacs Marine and Defence, general manager of defence for local company Civmec, and has advised the WA Government on marine and defence issues.
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.
Mr Deeks 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'.
Mr Deeks' new role will enable him to promote Western Australia as a place for trade and investment, using his experience in the defence industry to advocate for more shipbuilding and defence work for WA.
Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:
"Commodore Mike Deeks CSC RAN (Rtd) is an outstanding choice as the new Agent General for Western Australia.
"Mr Deeks has extensive experience in the defence, resources, training and maritime sectors, and will advocate for further investment and trade for Western Australia from European companies.
"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.
"I would also like to thank current Agent General John Atkins for his work over the past three years in advocating for and promoting Western Australia in Europe."
Premier's office - 6552 5000
