Leadership & Governance

Guided by experience. United by purpose. Our team bring deep expertise across Defence, technology, and national security sectors ensuring the Group delivers with integrity, precision, and foresight.

The leadership team drives the strategic and operational direction of Sovereign Capability Group, ensuring delivery across the Group’s companies and domains. Together, they translate vision into action — aligning technology, partnerships, and people to create capability that endures.

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    Diane Smith-Gander

    Board Chair

    Diane is Chair of Sovereign Capability Group. Diane is a past President of Chief Executive Women and held senior roles in banking, including head of Westpac’s Business and Technology Solutions and Services Division.  She is Chancellor of the University of Western Australia, chairs multiple Boards including SCG, Zip Co, HBF and Perenti and was previously a Partner in McKinsey & Company’s North American practice.

  • Ian Langford

    Ian Langford

    Advisory Board Member

    Ian brings deep national security and whole-of-nation capability-building expertise as a respected and internationally acclaimed leader. He is a highly regarded Australian Defence Force officer, whole-of-nation Capability Advocate, Advisor and Academic.

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    Jim Bancroft

    Advisory Board Member

    A former Army officer, Jim commanded a multinational Brigade in East Timor and served as Commandant of the Australian Command and Staff College. His corporate experience includes Director of Strategy and Business Development for Northrop Grumman Australia and Director Strategy, Hanwha Defence Australia. He holds a Master of Public and International Law from Melbourne University. 

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    Andrew Buttsworth

    Managing Director

    A former RAAF fast-jet pilot, Andrew has held senior roles spanning government, banking, and technology sectors. His experience includes serving as Chief of Staff to the Minister for Defence, leading Federal Government banking at Westpac, and driving growth and strategy at innovative fintech and defence technology companies across Australia. 

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    Jason York

    Chief Financial Officer

    Jason brings extensive experience leading businesses through growth and change, with a strong focus on governance, commercial discipline, and sustainable performance. His career spans ASX-listed companies, US multinationals, and Asia-Pacific operations. Jason combines strategic insight with practical financial management to drive resilience, innovation, and long-term success at Sovereign Capability Group.

  • Greg Underwood

    Greg Underwood

    Chief Operating Officer

    Greg Underwood is Co-Founder of UBH and Chief Operating Officer of Sovereign Capability Group. A former Special Forces Officer with 17 years in the Australian Army, he led teams and delivered complex programs at an ASX top-5 company, before co-founding UBH Group and leading it as the COO through to its acquisition by Sovereign Capability Group.

  • Sawsan Bassal

    Sawsan Bassal

    GM Strategy, People & Corporate Affairs

    Sawsan has multisectoral experience across agriculture, utilities, infrastructure, and financial services. Her senior roles include Group Executive, Strategy & Corporate Affairs at Ventia, Chief Corporate Affairs & Marketing Officer at Insignia Financial and General Manager at AustralianSuper. She holds qualifications in science, environment, sustainability, business, and law, including a Juris Doctor and MBA from RMIT University. 

  • Joseph Ritchie

    Joseph Ritchie

    Electrotech Australia

    Joseph Ritchie is Executive Director at Sovereign Capability Group and Managing Director of Electrotech Australia. A qualified CPA with over 15 years in senior leadership across Rabobank, Westpac, GE Capital, and NAB, he brings deep expertise in governance, risk management, and strategic improvement. Joseph serves on multiple boards, guiding operational excellence and sustainable growth across defence, shipping, and real estate.

  • Jeff Batten UBH

    Jeff Batten

    UBH

    Jeff Batten is General Manager and Co‑Founder of UBH and a key executive within the Sovereign Capability Group. With over 25 years of experience across the Defence, Government and Industry sectors, Jeff has established a strong record in technology leadership, strategy, and business transformation. A former Special Forces and Signals Officer, he has led major initiatives in Defence technology, AI and automation, and nuclear supply chain, spanning roles in the Australian Army, a Fortune 500 company and UBH.

  • Michelle Mallaney

    Michelle Mallaney

    The Network

    Michelle Mallaney is the General Manager of The Network, leading the business in delivering outcomes-driven IT and defence talent solutions for enterprise and federal government clients. With over a decade of recruitment experience, Michelle is widely recognised as one of Australia's leading recruiters, known for sourcing high-calibre professionals who help clients deliver complex initiatives. Trusted by clients and candidates alike, she was named NSW's Best IT Recruiter in the 2024 Sourcr Awards and continues to position The Network as a leader in IT and defence workforce solutions.

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