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
Kathleen Smith is a Business Development Manager at ADCG, bringing over 10 years of experience in client engagement, strategic growth, and security clearance processes. With a proven track record in driving business success, Kathleen is passionate about building strong relationships and achieving impactful outcomes. Outside of work, she enjoys watching tv crime dramas, spending time with her family and pets, and exploring the great outdoors.
Kathleen Smith
Business Development Manager – SA/WA
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
Paul Smith
Business Development Manager – SA
Paul Smith is a Business Development Manager at ADCG with over 30 years of experience in client relations, market expansion, and strategic partnerships. He specialises in driving business growth, identifying new opportunities, and fostering long-term client relationships. Paul’s expertise includes market analysis and business development strategies. A proud member of the ADCG team, he values collaboration with clients and colleagues. Outside of work, Paul enjoys boating, sports, traveling, and discovering new culinary experiences with his family and friends.
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.
Giles Evans
Director – Nuclear Consultancy Group
Giles is a nuclear expert and senior consultant around nuclear capability and AUKUS Pillar One, advising SMEs and organisations on nuclear-powered submarine programs. With over 36 years of military service in the Royal Navy, he combines technical expertise with strong business acumen and academic credit. A passionate advocate for civil nuclear power, Giles co-founded Australian Nuclear Power and has been a key Parliamentary advisor. A sought-after speaker and now masterclass instructor, he is calm under pressure and has strong commitment to advancing Australia’s nuclear future. His leadership and experience make him a key figure in both the nuclear and defence sectors.
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