The NIOA Group has announced the appointment of leading United States-based executive Dan Olson to its Advisory Board.
Mr Olson, formerly the Vice President and General Manager of Northrop Grumman’s Weapon Systems Division, joins NIOA as a fulltime adviser with a focus on developing the company’s US strategy.
Experienced US executive Dan Olson has been appointed to the NIOA Group Advisory Board.
His appointment follows NIOA’s recent move into the US Army’s Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey and comes on the first anniversary of the company’s 100 per cent acquisition of Tennessee-based Barrett Firearms.
NIOA Group CEO Rob Nioa said: “We are thrilled to welcome Dan to our Advisory Board.
“As a strategically oriented executive with a proven record of delivering a broad spectrum of advanced military systems, products and services, Dan brings a wealth of knowledge to our Advisory Board that will complement our ambitions at both Picatinny and Barrett as well as in Australia and New Zealand.
“Dan’s leadership style and business acumen align with NIOA’s commitment to delivering outstanding results for our military and commercial customers around the world. We look forward to working with him.”
Mr Olson joins NIOA after a career spanning more than two decades with Northrop Grumman where he developed and led teams recognised for excellence in innovation, continuous business growth and creating longstanding customer relationships.
Most recently Mr Olson led Northrop’s Advanced Weapons Campaign, an enterprise-wide strategy for next-generation weapon systems including advanced high-speed strike missiles, tactical munitions, guided projectiles, missile components, and propulsion for the US and its allies.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business and Economics from Bethel University, Saint Paul, Minnesota and Juris Doctor from Mitchell Hamline Law School of Law in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
“I’m excited to be joining NIOA and look forward to collaborating with my fellow board members, the senior leadership group and the team here in the US,” Mr Olson said.
“Throughout my career I have always endeavoured to deliver sustained growth through commitment to mission, values, investing in people and developing high-performing teams.
“This is a pivotal time for NIOA in its 50-year history and I am honoured to be appointed to the board to help the company on its growth trajectory.”
The NIOA Group’s other US-based Advisory Board members are former Commander Picatinny Arsenal, Brig. Gen. (Ret) Alfred Abramson and former US Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, the Hon. Ellen Lord.
The NIOA Group board is chaired by former Australian Defence Minister the Hon. Christopher Pyne and also includes former Australian Government MP, Senator for Victoria and past Parliamentary Secretary of Defence, the Hon. David Feeney, former Australian Army soldier Mark Donaldson VC and Dr Ken Anderson, former Chief of the Aerospace Division in the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG).
NIOA’s US team includes Doreen Chaplin, who was previously the First Assistant Program Executive Office Ammunition, Daniel Napolitano, who was previously Program Manager Combat Ammunition Systems (CAS) Director of International Programs and Ryan Krantz who joined NIOA last September from Vista Outdoor where he oversaw the outdoor giant’s stable of more than three dozen brands including Remington, Federal and Bushnell.
The German Bundeswehr has contracted with Rheinmetall to produce and supply medium-calibre ammunition for the Puma infantry fighting vehicle. A call-off from an existing framework agreement, the order encompasses several hundred thousand rounds of 30mm x 173 DM21 service ammunition. The order is worth over €350 million, including value added tax. Once perfect functionality has been demonstrated, delivery will begin this year and continue through to 2027. 
