EPE welcomes Don Roach, AM as the Chief Operating Officer of the EPE Group, a specialist Australian veteran owned company in the Defence Industry sector.
Don is ideally positioned to help guide EPE through its current expansion into the UK and European markets, accelerate current penetration across APAC, and strengthen its leadership in robotic and autonomous systems (RAS) integration for defence, first responders, and other innovative programs.
Don was previously the Executive for Defence and Industry Engagement in the Queensland Government Department of State Development. In that role he identified and pursued strategic opportunities for the state’s defence industries.
With over 30 years of service in the Australian Army he has extensive experience and strong networks in the Australian Defence Force and Defence industry. He is well versed in state and federal government industry programs and has been actively involved in initiatives supporting small business, supply chain integration and export opportunities.
Don retired from full-time service with 31 years of experience from operations in Afghanistan, East Timor and as a United Nations peacekeeper in Syria and Lebanon. Now serving in a part-time capacity he has led the development of the multi-faceted, interactive website project, The Longest War: The Australian Army in Afghanistan, documenting the contemporary history of Army’s service in Afghanistan.
He is a graduate of the United States Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, and the United States Army War College, Carlisle Barracks. He has a Masters of Defence Studies from the University of New South Wales and a Masters of Strategic Studies from Carlisle. Don serves in honorary and leadership roles including as a Colonel Commandant for the Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery. He is currently the Vice President and a Director of Brisbane Legacy.
He was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia for service as Commanding Officer 1st Field Regiment and has received a Commendation for Distinguished Service in Afghanistan.