UDT Australia Steering Committee

The Steering Committee has been established to help shape the strategic direction of UDT Australia and ensure the event remains aligned with the priorities of Australia's defence sector.

Chaired by Sharon Wilson, formerly of BAE Systems, the committee provides strategic guidance on the event theme and conference programme, identifying key industry priorities, recommending speakers and partners, and ensuring the event reflects the future direction of undersea defence. The committee also supports UDT Australia's positioning as a leading platform for undersea defence technology, bringing together Australian and allied nations to address shared capability challenges and showcase innovation across the sector. 

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Chair of the Steering Committee

Sharon Wilson
Sharon Wilson
Sharon Wilson (Chair) has more than three decades’ experience in advanced technology and supply chain, primarily focused on maritime capabilities. Previously at BAE Systems, Sharon is now a strategic advisor and consultant to industry. She is also Chair of the Defence Innovation Partnership, a collaboration between Defence SA, Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) and South Australian universities.

Steering Committee Members

Rear Admiral Jon Pentreath (Retd)
Rear Admiral Jon Pentreath (Retd)
Rear Admiral Jon Pentreath (Retd), CB, OBE, has been the Senior Naval and Land Advisor for Clarion Defence and Security since 2020; in this role he strengthens UDT's engagement with the global maritime community through his extensive operational and strategic expertise. A retired senior officer of the Royal Navy, Jon spent more than 30 years as a helicopter pilot in the Royal Navy (UK), culminating in leading the Joint Helicopter Command. He is a Director of Cormorant Consulting and Almara Aviation Solutions, and sits on a number of charitable boards as a Trustee.
Commodore Michael Turner
Commodore Michael Turner
Commodore Michael Turner is Director General Navy Capability Implementation at the Royal Australian Navy. With more than 35 years naval experience and a background in air warfare, Commodore Turner has served across Australia’s surface combatants and played a key role in driving naval capability advancements in underwater autonomous systems.
Australian Submarine Agency (ASA)
Australian Submarine Agency (ASA)
Senior representatives from the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) across disciplines including technical capability, industry, government relations, public affairs and policy. ASA manages and oversees Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine program, one of the most significant industrial and technical endeavours in Australia’s history.
Libby Day
Libby Day

Libby Day is Chief Executive Officer of the Defence Teaming Centre, the leading South Australian headquartered defence industry association focused on strengthening the defence sector and representing more than 17,000 workers. The Defence Teaming Centre connects, develops and advocates for those in the defence sector using a partnership and collaborative model.

Jessica Hernandez
Jessica Hernandez
Jessica Hernandez is Director Corporate Affairs and Government Relations at Defence SA, the South Australian Government agency responsible for growing the state’s defence and space sectors. Defence SA works to attract investment, build industry capability and foster collaboration between government, Defence, industry and research organisations, strengthening South Australia’s position as Australia’s Defence State.
James Samuel
James Samuel
James Samuel is Managing Director – Live Events at Clarion Defence and Security; the event’s organiser. Clarion is known for hosting world-leading defence events globally including UDT Europe, DSEI UK, DSEI Germany, DSEI Japan and APEX Defense.