Australian submarine- and ship-building company ASC announced today the appointment of Paul Gay as General Manager for its Air Warfare Destroyer Project.

Mr Gay is a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) with the Institute of Engineers Australia and a Registered Project Manager (RegPM) with the Australian Institute of Project Managers. He started his role with ASC yesterday 26 July, replacing Doug Callow who was Acting General Manager.

His appointment as GM makes him responsible for constructing the Hobart Class air warfare destroyers (AWDs) at ASC's shipyard in Osborne, South Australia.

Mr Gay, who most recently held the position of Platform Engineering Manager - LHD with BAE Systems Marine Division in Williamstown, Victoria, brings significant experience to the role including senior positions with both the ANZAC Frigate and Offshore Patrol Vessel programs, the company said in a statement.

ASC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Steve Ludlam acknowledged he is a great addition to the ASC team.

"The AWD Project is forging ahead with shipyards in South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales simultaneously building blocks for the largest defence project in Australia's history," Mr Ludlam said.

"Paul's experience across major naval engineering and manufacturing projects will be of enormous value to ASC as the shipbuilder of the AWDs and we are delighted to welcome him to the role."