Mark Worsfold MNZM has joined Babcock Australasia as Program Director – Strategic Maritime Partnerships last week after 35 years’ service with the Royal New Zealand Navy, his most recent role as Logistics Commander (Maritime).
In his new role with Babcock, Worsfold will be responsible for the safe delivery of New Zealand’s Maritime Fleet Sustainment Services (MFSS) program.
As the Strategic Maritime Partner to the NZDF, Babcock provides asset management services including engineering, project management, production and operational support to the entire RNZN fleet, from the frigates through to small craft.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mark to the Babcock team after working closely with him over many years through Babcock’s partnership with the RNZN,” said David Ruff, CEO Babcock Australasia. “His detailed knowledge of the New Zealand sustainment enterprise will enhance operational effectiveness and leadership of the team.
“Mark will play a fundamental role in maintaining Babcock’s position as the premier warship sustainer in the region. He will leverage Babcock regional and global capability to bring best practice and value to the New Zealand program,” he said.
Worsfold will also continue leading the Maritime Enterprise Sustainment Team (MEST) – the collaborative partnership that supports the RNZN Fleet. The partnership has been awarded two international five-star best practice awards – the first in 2021 for the way it navigated through the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the second in 2022 for collaborative negotiations.
“I have enjoyed my time with the Navy, so I am delighted that I can continue support the sailors and their operations and activities through my next chapter with Babcock,” said Mark Worsfold.
Interviewed in the September 2022 issue of Navy Today, Worsfold, who hails from Auckland and joined the RNZN on 27 January 1987, noted that his best deployment was to the Persian Gulf on Operation Enduring Freedom (2004). The first ship he was posted to was HMNZS Southland.
He was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2016 for services to the NZDF.
