Defence, Defence industry and national security advice, grounded in 39 years of service
Michael Rothwell Consulting is a Canberra-based, 100% Australian veteran owned and controlled firm providing senior advisory services to Defence, government and industry.
Services
Michael Rothwell Consulting helps Defence, government and industry clients solve complex problems in capability, technology and organisational performance. Every engagement draws on 39 years of experience in the Australian Defence Force and senior leadership roles across the Department of Defence.
Leadership
Executive advice and mentoring, drawn from leading organisations of up to 4,000 people.
Strategic Planning
Growth strategies and plans aligned to Defence priorities.
Governance
Board-level perspective (GAICD) and practical governance for complex programs.
Risk Management
Identifying and managing operational and enterprise risk.
ICT
Operating and sustaining large-scale enterprise ICT environments and extending to the edge.
Defensive Cyber
Cyber defence for enterprise and deployed environments, including operational technology and mission systems, informed by operational command experience.
Maritime Capability and Sustainment
Capability life cycle, seaworthiness, fleet sustainment and readiness
Training
Optimising training pipelines, remote and individual learning, live, virtual and constructive training.
Workforce and Skills
Planning the people, skills and ways of workingneeded to deliver capability.
About
Rear Admiral Michael Rothwell, AM, CSC, RAN retired from the Royal Australian Navy in November 2021 after a 39-year career that included commanding Australian forces across the Middle East and Afghanistan, and leading Defence's $1 billion annual ICT operations. He has advised Defence industry since 2022.
Michael brings senior-level experience in maritime capability, digital transformation, defensive cyber, training, risk and governance; and a talent for explaining complex technical issues in plain language. He is known for a calm, personable leadership style that unites military, public service and industry teams around a common goal.
Synergy Group
Consulting engagement (2022)
Accenture Australia
Senior Strategic Advisor, Defence; member, Accenture Global Defence Council (2022–present)
Commander Joint Task Force 633
Middle East Region and Afghanistan (2020–2021)
Head, ICT Operations, Department of Defence
2018-2020
Biography
REAR ADMIRAL MICHAEL ROTHWELL, AM, CSC, RAN (Retd)
Michael served for 39 years in the Royal Australian Navy, retiring as a Rear Admiral in November 2021. His career spanned command at sea, joint operations overseas and senior executive leadership in the Department of Defence. Since 2022 he has advised Defence industry, including as Senior Strategic Advisor to Accenture Australia Defence.
Career highlights
Senior Strategic Advisor, Accenture Australia Defence, and member of the Accenture Global Defence Council (2022–present)
Commander, Joint Task Force 633, Middle East Region and Afghanistan (2020–2021) — led 800 ADF and Defence civilian personnel across ten countries in Afghanistan and the Middle East
Head, ICT Operations, Department of Defence (2018–2020) — responsible for all Defence ICT operations and sustainment, with a $1 billion annual budget and a workforce of 4,000
Director General Maritime Operations, Royal Australian Navy (2016–2017)
Commodore Training, Royal Australian Navy (2014–2016) — modernised Navy's training pipeline and introduced synthetic training as part of unit work ups
Capability Manager, Amphibious and Afloat Support Group (2011–2013) — restored the amphibious and afloat support fleet to full operational status following the fallout from Cyclone Yasi
Commanding Officer, HMAS Tobruk (2005–2007) and HMAS Diamantina (2001–2002)
Education and qualifications Master of Arts (International Relations), Salve Regina University · Diploma of Defence Studies United States Naval War College · Bachelor of Laws, Queensland University of Technology · Graduate, Australian Institute of Company Directors
Awards
Member of the Order of Australia (2014)
Conspicuous Service Cross (2022), for command of Joint Task Force 633
Contact Us
Address
C/- Bonsella Unit 3 Level 1/40 Blackall St, Barton ACT 2600, Australia
Phone
+61 458 860 303ABN
18659514477