Stuart Johnson

Took planned time away from professional commitments to serve as primary caregiver and support my wife's career. Managed daily household operations and childcare, prioritising family and personal well-being. Was afforded the opportunity to hone my skills in conflict resolution & negotiation, networking, teamwork, communication, organisation and empathy. Currently pursuing new opportunities in the renewable energy and public sectors, leveraging extensive experience in operations, asset management, relationship management and leadership.

Jumped in at ground zero to grow a high-growth renewables start-up. Led and was hands-on with end-to-end operations and asset management for utility-scale solar and BESS projects—development, compliance, performance, and high-value divestments to turn good assets into great ones.

As COO of this green-tech start-up (and investor in breakthrough hydrogen storage), I balanced big-picture strategy with day-to-day execution. From developing green field sites, cutting OPEX and launching tenders to leading a $74M divestment, my focus was simple: do what it takes to lift performance, drive growth, and build trust across the board.

Led the strategic management of over 3,500 regulated defence assets across Australia and overseas. Responsible for performance, compliance, and risk while overseeing a matrixed team of 1,000+ personnel. Delivered results in a highly structured and regulated environment—where precision and leadership matter.

Had statutory responsibility for safety and quality for a major operational aviation group with ~1,000 personnel and 40+ platforms. Helped transform the safety culture and delivered full regulatory compliance with zero disruption to operations. Managed the maintenance and engineering function workforces' technical capability

Led multi-site transformation programs across NSW, QLD, and ACT. Introduced smarter ways of working, returning ~350 FTE back to the frontline and improving capability.

Managed a USD$350M multinational training systems program for Australia’s aircrew and maintenance capability.

Stepped into the heart of Australia’s $3.2 billion F-35A acquisition program, leading office operations, ministerial engagement, and public communications during a critical phase. Coordinated high-stakes submissions to Cabinet and key committees, securing approvals that shaped the future of Australia’s air combat capability. When the unexpected struck, I took charge of strategic affairs and public relations—safeguarding the program’s reputation under intense national scrutiny.

Led a 180-strong team to deliver safe, reliable surveillance capability for Australia's AP-3C Orion fleet—across continents and critical missions. Balanced day-to-day maintenance operations with strategic workforce development, introducing technical mastery programs and leadership pathways that lifted standards across the Air Force. Strengthened safety, improved engineering capability, and enhanced operational resilience—all while building a culture that made the unit a destination for the best technical talent. Proud to have led Australia’s first UN operational engagement with Japan’s Self Defence Forces, forging partnerships that endure to this day.