Tasmanian manufacturer Sentinel Boats (formally PFG) has announced the appointment of RAN veteran George McGuire CSC as CEO to lead the company into a dynamic new chapter.
McGuire had a 28-year career in the Royal Australian Navy in senior leadership roles, including serving as commanding officer of two warships and extensive operational and major project experience.
For the past decade he has worked in the defence technology and engineering sector, most recently as General Manager, Operations & Delivery and then Business Development for the Australian arm of QinetiQ, a UK based multi-national Defence and Security business.
“It is testament to the quality and reputation of our boats that we have been able to attract someone of George’s calibre to the role of CEO,” said Sentinel Boats Chair Chris Oldfield.
“The Sentinel is quite literally making waves in the defence and law enforcement industries and we don’t think there is anyone better qualified than George to capitalise on the immense opportunities for growth we have ahead of us.
According to the company, there is growing recognition of the advantages of HDPE for rapid response and defence applications as it is rapidly repairable in action and delivers best-in-class speed, stability and handling, with minimal personnel fatigue.
“George has deep connections into the Australian and international defence sector and, after 28 years in the RAN, he is uniquely placed to anticipate and respond to the needs of our growing customer base.”
“Sentinel Boats is a fantastic example of Australian innovation and sovereign defence capability,” said McGuire.
“From humble beginnings building indestructible workboats, the Sentinel Boats team has created a product line in The Sentinel that is truly unique and, in my experience, outperforms anything in its class anywhere in the world.
“As a proud Tasmanian, I am honoured to have this opportunity to return home and invest my skills and experience in expanding Sentinel Boats’ national and international reach, particularly in defence, law enforcement and emergency response.”
Sentinel Boats was recently formed as a standalone entity from the former PFG to reflect a dedicated focus on building high-performance vessels for defence, law enforcement and emergency services, along with workboats for maritime industries.
The company’s competitive advantage is the use of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a next generation material with superior strength, durability and ride characteristics compared with traditional aluminium, fibreglass, and other composite materials.
According to the company, there is growing recognition of the advantages of HDPE for rapid response and defence applications as it is rapidly repairable in action and delivers best-in-class speed, stability and handling, with minimal personnel fatigue.
Sentinel Boats recently completed a third 12.5 metre high-speed Littoral Manoeuvre Craft for the Royal New Zealand Navy, which will be exhibited at the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition 2023 in Sydney from November 7-9.
