James Baker
Burbank,Australia
Summary
Senior communications and corporate affairs leader with 20+ years of experience in strategy development, execution, and stakeholder engagement. Expertise in managing communication for significant government and private projects, delivering integrated campaigns, and aligning messaging across diverse groups. Demonstrated success in risk management and communication strategies for high-impact initiatives.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder and Managing Director
Burbank Martial Pty Ltd
01.2021 - Current
- Providing strategic guidance to clients in defence, aerospace, national security, and emergency services sectors. Notable achievements include:
- Secured multimillion-dollar contracts and facilitated entry into international markets.
- Led delegations into Ukraine during conflict periods, resulting in successful contracts.
- Achieved global media coverage for clients, enhancing public trust and stakeholder engagement.
- Acted as Director of Services for an international private emergency services start-up, aligning operations with the strategic vision.
Head of Corporate Affairs
Boeing Australia
01.2016 - 01.2021
- Directed government relations and communications, leading to significant policy shifts and contract acquisitions.
- Influenced federal government investment in the MQ-28 Ghost Bat program, securing over AUD $2 billion in combined investments.
- Led campaigns resulting in the acquisition of the Apache helicopter program, valued at more than $5 billion.
- Represented Boeing in high-profile forums, including parliamentary committees and international defence tours.
- Championed veteran employment initiatives, leading to national recognition.
Communications Director
Boeing Defence Australia
01.2009 - 01.2016
- Managed all aspects of communications, contributing to significant organisational growth:
- Oversaw marketing and communication for a multi-billion-dollar defence portfolio.
- Played a key role in tripling the company's backlog of orders within four years.
- Led centennial celebrations across 15 sites, enhancing corporate reputation.
- Managed UK communications during organisational transitions, maintaining stakeholder confidence.
Staff Officer and Public Affairs Officer
Australian Army
01.2003 - 01.2009
- Led communication strategies and execution during critical operations.
- Directed public affairs for the 1st Division, encompassing up to 12,000 personnel.
- Managed communications during the 2003 Iraq War and the 2006 East Timor intervention, ensuring public support and operational security.
- Led Communications as Senior Public Affairs Officer for the International Coalition Against Terrorism (2015) for the return to Iraq, counter-drugs and counter-piracy operations in the Gulf, and ongoing operations in Afghanistan.
- Handled high-profile sensitive issues, including incidents attracting media and parliamentary attention.
- (Current Reservist rank Lieutenant Colonel)
Senior Media Adviser
Australian Government
01.1999 - 01.2003
- Advised senior government officials across various portfolios: Trade, Regional Services, Transport, and Foreign Affairs.
- Managed communications for Deputy Prime Ministers, and key ministers.
- Developed strategies during high-profile events, including the Sydney 2000 Olympics, and international trade negotiations.
- Resolved complex issues, such as the New Parliament House 'Tent Embassy' confrontation, through strategic communication.
Television Political Reporter/Presenter
ABC TV and Network Ten
01.1993 - 01.1999
- Reported on national and international events, including the Thredbo landslide and the funeral of Princess Diana in London, providing analysis and coverage.
Education
BA - Communication
Charles Sturt University
Bathurst01.1998
Skills
- Strategic Communications Leadership
- Infrastructure Project Communications
- Government Protocols & Inter-agency Coordination
- Community & Stakeholder Engagement Strategy
- Reputation & Risk Management
- Communication Planning & Delivery
- Team Leadership & Cultural Performance
- Strategic Narrative Development
- Crisis management
- Government relations
- Public affairs strategy
- Communications management
References
Available upon request.
Training
- Full suite of Boeing Executive Leadership courses
- Advanced Strategic Communication Workshops
- Crisis Management and Media Training
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Founder and Managing Director
Burbank Martial Pty Ltd
01.2021 - Current
Head of Corporate Affairs
Boeing Australia
01.2016 - 01.2021
Communications Director
Boeing Defence Australia
01.2009 - 01.2016
Staff Officer and Public Affairs Officer
Australian Army
01.2003 - 01.2009
Senior Media Adviser
Australian Government
01.1999 - 01.2003
Television Political Reporter/Presenter
ABC TV and Network Ten
01.1993 - 01.1999
BA - Communication
Charles Sturt University
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