Metal Powder Works appoints defence executive Jim McDowell to board
June 10, 2025
Metal Powder Works (MPW), based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, has announced the appointment of Jim McDowell as a Non-Executive Director, effective immediately.
McDowell brings more than thirty-five years of international executive experience across the defence, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and public sectors. He has held senior roles including CEO of BAE Systems Australia, CEO of BAE Systems Saudi Arabia, Managing Director of Nova Systems, and Chief Executive of the South Australian Department of the Premier and Cabinet.
Most recently, McDowell served as Deputy Secretary for Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment at the Australian Department of Defence. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing what has been called Australia’s largest-ever defence industrial programme.
His appointment is said to strengthen MPW’s ability to meet the growing demand for high-performance metal powders in the defence and aerospace sector. McDowell’s knowledge of government procurement, sovereign industrial strategy, and international defence programmes is expected to support the company’s growth.
“We are honoured to welcome Jim to the board,” stated Stuart Carmichael, MPW chair. “His leadership in defence and public sector transformation — most recently as Deputy Secretary overseeing Australia’s naval shipbuilding strategy — brings a wealth of experience as MPW expands its role in supplying innovative materials to strategically significant industries.”
