Our Core Team
Wayne Higgins
Managing Director | Chief Security Officer
Wayne is the Founding Principal, Managing Director and Chief Security Officer of the Australian Defence Consultancy Group, a private company formed in 2009. A scientific project management background gives Wayne the ability to analyse, plan and execute complex tasks from the field to the boardroom. Recently retired after serving 47 years in the Australian Army, Wayne’s military expertise is in the area of armoured operations, defence facility security and Honours and Awards.
Wayne’s focus now is on the leadership of a great team of Defence and Commercial experts, strategic management, modernisation, and development of a thriving company where customer service remains paramount.
Rides: BMW and Royal Enfield motorcycles
Ciaran Tanzer
Manager Consulting Services
Ciaran brings with him 20+ years of experience across Defence and Defence Industry. Having worked for the Australian Army, RAAF and CASG he is armed with a strong understanding of what is required to successfully consult to Defence, Government and Defence Industry.
Ciaran holds a Bachelor of Business from RMIT and he specialises in government, business process development and personnel management. Finding the right people, for the right roles, at the right time, is something he is passionate about.
Loves: Dog training and Ducati motorcycles
Kathleen Smith
Business Development Manager – SA/WA
Kathleen joined the ADCG team in February 2022. She has worked in Real Estate doing administrative roles, Sales Support and Property Management. Kathleen returned to study and gained a Diploma in Remedial Massage which lead to running a successful Massage Therapy business.
As a Business Development Manager in ADCG, Kat is responsible for developing and implementing growth opportunities whilst generating business with new alliances and managing client relations.
Kathleen is very much a people person; values making connections and finds great reward in assisting people.
Secret Skill: Karate
David Arden
Business Development Manager – VIC
David has extensive experience in various fields and uses this to help clients gain new positions and achieve new work experiences. He has worked in real estate, Air Traffic Control, Search and Rescue, security, instructing, risk, crisis and emergency management and human resources within Defence and civilian organisations.
He has had a career in the Army Reserve for over 40 years, having been the Commanding Officer of the Melbourne Infantry Battalion, worked in Army HQ and Joint Operations Command, and has served in Domestic Operations.
He assists ADCG clients in obtaining security clearances; helping them find new employment; and assists with other aspects within ADCG.
Enjoys: Travel and meeting new people
Greg Todd
Business Development Manager – ACT
Greg brings to ADCG over 30 years of sales, management and teaching experience from the computing industry and parallel experience in the Army Reserve, particularly in the areas of facility security and personnel planning. His particular skills lie in strategic planning and resource management.
Greg’s role at ADCG is as a Business Development Officer and Security Officer. He is responsible for business growth into new markets as well as supporting the security clearance team while they help clients through the clearance process.
Favourite Sport: Baseball
Rachel Inglis
Project Officer
Rachel joins ADCG from a diverse customer service background. She is a University of Sydney graduate with a prior qualification in Communications (PR), and has recently completed a Project Management course. She has a professional background in the Government, Media and Healthcare industries, but is learning all about Defence from a wealth of experience in her ADCG colleagues and their networks.
Rachel is the Security Clearances and Consultancy Advisor for ADCG. She manages the consultancy branch of the business, helping to match consultants with contracting opportunities. She also provides to our DISP team and clients. Rachel’s strengths lie in helping to keep things organised, building relationships and improving systems.
Hobbie: Gardening
Gary Slater
Director – Strategic Consulting
Gary is the Director Strategic Consulting at ADCG. In this role he is focused on assisting clients to meet the challenges and opportunities of a complex strategic environment and be ‘Defence and Government Ready’ to maximise the opportunity presented by AUKUS and further strengthen and enhance security cooperation between Australia, the US, and the UK.
A retired United States Marine Corps Tank Officer, Gary was fortunate enough to serve on an exchange tour with the Australian Defence Force Headquarters Joint Operations Command (JOC). Just like a boomerang he felt called to return to the Lucky Country. Gary is inspired by enhancing Australia’s national interests, assisting with developing sovereign capability, and further strengthening security ties between Australia, the US and the UK. He brings over 20 years of experience in Defence and Defence Consulting and passion for solving hard problems with talented people.
He enjoys Australian wine, American bourbon, British humour, and Cuban cigars.
Dave Hargan
Deputy Director Strategic Consulting
Dave has joined ADCG after retiring from a Royal Australian Navy career spanning over three decades. Now employed as Deputy Director Strategic Consulting, Dave brings deep Joint Operational level military experience over to supports the development of the Strategic Consulting Group and Nuclear Consulting Group. His background includes support for the Christchurch earthquake and Fukushima tsunami.
As an experienced planner he enjoys considering complex problems. Dave is an experienced facilitator and team leader. With extensive international engagement experience, he can develop nuanced relationships across cultural boundaries, but enjoys direct communication.
Passion: Dave is a keen fly-fisherman who recently caught his first Brook Trout in Australia.
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