GBST strengthens board with new appointment

Peter Dinham
Friday, 09 December 2011 04:01

IT People - People

Australian-listed global financial services industry technology provider, GBST, has appointed the president of Boeing Australia and South Pacific and the current president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia, Dr Ian Thomas, to its board of directors.

Dr Thomas, who is also a member of the Prime Minister's Manufacturing Task Force, has been appointed by GBST as a as non-executive independent director to provide international experience and strategic guidance on market entry strategies as the company continues to look at further opportunities to expand outside of Australia.

Dr Thomas holds a master's degree in international relations and a Ph.D. in history from the University of Cambridge, a graduate degree in social sciences from the University of Stockholm, and a bachelor's degree (cum laude) in history from Amherst College.

John Puttick GBST's chairman and Stephen Lake, GBST's managing director and chief executive officer, said Dr Thomas brought 20 years global experience to the company and had held many senior positions including vice president for Boeing's European operations, leading Boeing's defence activities in the United Kingdom, and director of international policy for Boeing's military aircraft and missile systems division in the US.

"Ian's wealth of experience across innovative international industries makes him a great addition as we continue to strengthen our position in the Australasian and European regions and explore opportunities in new markets," Mr Lake said.

Prior to joining Boeing in 2001, Dr Thomas served in a variety of staff and policy roles in the US Department of Defence. He is an authority on US-allied security relations in NATO-Europe and on the security policies and programs of the United States, Europe and Asia.