Mike Kalms

Mike is a Partner in KordaMentha’s Public Sector team, specialising in Defence and National Security. He has more than 30 years of experience in commercial and defence roles, focusing on strategy, program design, and stakeholder management. Mike is adept at addressing complex program turnaround challenges, particularly when performance is impacted by multiple stakeholders across government and business sectors. He provides honest evidenced options enabling leaders to intervene effectively in critical situations involving capital, sustainment, estate, people, and data elements.

Mike has contributed significantly to the strategic development of the Australian Defence Force. He has been involved in high-level consultations and policy development, including his role as a member of the Defence White Paper Expert Panel. His insights have shaped national defence strategies and policies, ensuring they align with contemporary needs and future challenges.

Significant engagements:

• Selected by the Defence Minister for the 2016 Defence White Paper Expert Panel, where he led national industry consultation and strategy development, culminating in the 2017 Industry Policy Statement.
• Led a team to support the development of the Federal Government’s inaugural DICP, including the development of the Sovereign Industrial Capability Assessment Framework.
• Assisted ADF Real Estate Force Posture considerations through his work as Engagement Partner for USFPI work Package 10 study which is effectively master planning the ADF’s footprint in the Darwin Region. Developed methodology for integrating ADF and Defence assets in regional Australia
• Experienced in leading large team engagements across defence industry, Army and joint defence customers including transformational reform, M&A, strategy development, export control assurance, supply chain and maintenance optimisation and economic impact modelling.
• Led an independent review of a national intelligence organisation resulting in recommendations incorporated into the Defence First Principles Review.Ran Defence and Business Strategy Development engagements for most Australian States governments and Several Universities.