Tim Walmsley, CEO BenchOn, has been announced as a finalist in the Executive of the Year category at the 2025 Australian Defence Industry Awards, recognising his longstanding commitment to innovation, industry collaboration, and defence capability development in Australia.

Career of Service

With a career that spans military operations, strategic consulting, and technology-led industry reform, Tim’s contribution to the defence sector is both broad and deeply rooted. A former Army Officer with 12 years of service, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, Tim developed a keen understanding of the complex challenges faced by Australia’s defence personnel. His roles ranged from managing UAV operations in high-tempo environments to leading cross-national collaborations in capability development – experience that has informed his enduring drive to strengthen the connection between Defence and industry.

As the Founder and CEO of BenchOn, Tim leads a platform that transforms procurement, supply chain management, and resource allocation by leveraging digital portals. Under his leadership, the company has helped build digital industry ecosystems that intelligently match requirements for people, products, and services directly to the suppliers best suited to support them. This work has supported more effective engagement between Defence, government, and industry partners by improving visibility of national capability and reducing inefficiencies in how work is distributed.

Tim also serves on the Board of Directors for This Story Australia, an organisation dedicated to capturing and honouring the lived experiences of veterans. Through this work, he continues to support the defence community beyond the commercial sphere, ensuring veterans’ voices remain part of the national conversation on resilience, service, and leadership.

Being named a finalist for Executive of the Year places Tim among a cohort of exceptional leaders from across the Australian defence industry. Fellow nominees include:

• Sarah Bailey, Penten
• Demi Stefanova, Quickstep Technologies Pty Limited
• Perry Singh, Toll Group
• Michael Mitchell, Elysium EPL
• Jose Santos, Willyama Services
• Michael Biercuk, Q-CTRL
• Marcus Coleman, Innovaero
• Preetham Akula, Akula Tech
• Timothy Owen, Hunter Defence

Tim has expressed his appreciation at being recognised alongside such a high-calibre field of professionals, many of whom have made significant contributions to the evolving shape of Australia’s sovereign defence capability.

Thanks to Defence Connect for the nomination, and to everyone working behind the scenes to support and grow this incredible community. The awards night is in July!