Deeks to lead Blue Ocean Monitoring

Former London-based Western Australia agent general Mike Deeks has been appointed group managing director of unmanned underwater technologies company Blue Ocean Monitoring.

Mr Deeks, a retired naval commodore, recently returned from England where he served as WA’s agent general to the United Kingdom, Europe and Israel.

He previously worked as Civmec and its subsidiary Forgacs Marine and Defence.

He replaces former managing director and joint founder of the company Simon Illingworth, who will focus on his role as managing director and chief executive of Blue Ocean Seismic Services, which is Blue Ocean Monitoring’s UK-based joint venture company with BP and Woodside Petroleum.

Blue Ocean Monitoring chair Chris Rowe said Mr Deeks’ naval credentials and business experience would help strengthen the company’s relationship with the British and Australian navies.

“Last week’s announcement of an enhanced strategic partnership involving the United States, Britain and Australia only reinforces the potential usage of unmanned underwater technology,” Mr Rowe said.

“Blue Ocean Monitoring is at the cutting edge of designing and developing UUVs and other highly innovative technologies.”

The company has also announced Mary Hackett is joining its board.

Ms Hackett has previously held senior roles at Woodside and General Electric and currently serves on several boards including Northern Star Resources, Strike Energy and is chair of the Future Energy Exports CRC.