Leadership Grounded in Country and Capability.
Indigenous Defence Services is led by people with deep cultural authority, commercial experience and a commitment to Australia's sovereign defence future.
Chairman & Managing DirectorGerry Matera
Gerry Matera is the Founder and Managing Director of IDS. A proud Nyoongar Traditional Landowner and award-winning entrepreneur, Gerry has been recognised locally, nationally, and internationally for business excellence, leadership, and social impact. With a proven track record of securing blue-chip contracts and driving tangible Aboriginal engagement outcomes, Gerry leads IDS with a commitment to professionalism, cultural integrity, trust, and operational excellence.
Non-Executive DirectorThe Hon Ken Wyatt AM
The Hon Ken Wyatt AM is the first Indigenous Australian elected to the House of Representatives and Australia's first Indigenous Federal Minister. Appointed in 2015 as Assistant Minister for Health, he played a key role in securing the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and was instrumental in establishing the Indigenous Voice. Ken's legacy as a Minister includes the development of the National Roadmap for Indigenous Skills, Jobs, and Wealth Creation.
GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERMonica Kane
With over 30 years of leadership experience, Monica brings a wealth of management and governance expertise across a broad range of industries, continents and cultures, including not-for-profit, arts and culture sectors. She holds a Masters Degree in Human Rights Education, with a focus on Indigenous and children's rights, a Bachelors Degree in Arts (Communication and Cultural Studies), and a Bachelor of Social Science (Sociology). Born and raised on Wadjuk Noongar boodja, Monica is inherently committed to First People's first principles being embedded into organisations.
Chief Executive OfficerHamish Johnston
Hamish is an executive leader with extensive experience across oil & gas, resources, defence, and utilities. Known for his strategic thinking and practical approach to risk and business performance, he is passionate about creating solutions that deliver commercial success and positive impact. Hamish views his neurodiversity as a strength, bringing creativity and innovation to complex challenges. He is also committed to inclusive workplace cultures and serves in governance roles supporting community and business development across Western Australia.
Technology & Systems DirectorKyle Owen
Kyle Owen is a technology and systems leader with experience across digital transformation, enterprise systems, marketing, and business improvement. Known for his strategic mindset and ability to connect technology with business outcomes, he is passionate about building solutions that improve efficiency, reduce risk, and support sustainable growth.
AdvisoryGary Hale
Gary Hale is an accomplished strategist and leader with more than four decades of experience across national resilience, defence, space, and cyber security. He has served in senior executive roles spanning defence, global technology corporations, start-ups, and higher education, bringing a rare combination of market-shaping instinct, operational credibility, policy and technology acumen, and entrepreneurial capability to every engagement.
Additional Board & Executive Members Will Be Announced Soon
Our wider team brings together Defence, technology and Traditional Owner leadership from across Australia.
Partner With Our Leadership
Connect with the Indigenous Defence Services team to discuss defence, government and Traditional Owner partnerships.