º º º
Our Leadership
The leadership of UBH Group are committed to supporting two priorities: our people, and our mission.
Chair of the
UBH Board of Directors
Ian Langford
People and technology are the response to most future challenges; UBH combines these to generate world-class solutions that clients value beyond their principle design, often providing answers to questions that haven’t yet been seen. I see in UBH a company capable of bridging the gap between now and the future via their range of professional services, highly talented workforce, and best-practice approach to technology solutions…
Ian brings to UBH Group 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.
Ian has directly led small and large teams and influenced entire sectors in the pursuit of National Security objectives. Ian has recently pivoted his globally renowned strategic expertise to Industry and Academic sectors, having graduated from Australian Institute of Company Directors and taking Associate Professorship with UNSW. In addition, Ian has selectively offered a portion of his time to various national security-focussed apparatuses to encourage and align multi-sector responses to issues of National and International strategic importance.
Jeff Batten
Chief Executive Officer
(CEO)
I am passionate about People, Process, and Technology, and truly believe people are our most valuable asset.
My approach is very customer and user-orientated: demonstrating a detailed understanding of organisational and technical requirements is essential to implementing technology that is fit for purpose and appropriate for our customers.
Jeff has successfully led large and small teams within the Defence sector for 20 years. Jeff is an experienced business leader having worked in a Fortune 500 company capturing and implementing communications systems projects.
Garnering extensive leadership and management skills during his Army career as a Special Forces Communications Officer, Jeff has since acquired significant business experience being accountable for communication systems projects throughout Australia and New Zealand.
Chief Operating Officer
(COO)
Greg
Underwood
My experience in both the Defence and Mining industry has cemented my view that exponential gains can be achieved through the timely procurement of the latest technology, coupled with highly trained and capable people.
Greg is an experienced leader serving 17 years in the Australian Army. A highlight of his career was mentoring and coaching junior Officers as an instructor, which generated a passion for unlocking latent capability in people and teams through the delivery of world-class training.
Greg brings corporate experience to UBH from his time at an ASX5 company as a Project Manager in the Technology portfolio. He led a number of teams responsible for the implementation of optimised maintenance strategies across a number of the global company's sites and assets.
David
herbertson
Chief Risk & Information
Security Officer
I view risk management and cybersecurity as core organisational imperatives. At UBH, we integrate secure-by-design principles across our processes, ensuring rigorous protection and compliance.
As a certified ISO 19443 Nuclear Supply Chain & Internal Auditor and an ASD-endorsed IRAP Assessor, I bring a meticulous approach to risk and compliance.
David’s comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience make him exceptionally well-equipped to address the complex challenges of risk, nuclear safety, and cybersecurity, safeguarding Australia's critical systems and infrastructure. He has held pivotal roles, such as Global Head of Business Resilience, Global Head of Governance, Risk, and Compliance, and Global Manager of Security Architecture.
His expertise extends to managing cyber risk, designing risk and governance frameworks, and ensuring compliance with international standards. Certified as an ISO 19443 Nuclear Supply Chain Auditor, David leads in-depth training and consultancy to uphold the highest safety and quality standards in the nuclear sector. His certifications include CISSP, CCSP, GLEG, CISA and IRAP, reflecting his commitment to maintaining robust security across critical infrastructure.
TIM LAURINS
Chief Innovation Officer
(CINO)
We, as a nation, need to work together to achieve our national agenda. Government departments and industry collectively can achieve amazing outcomes. Driving outcomes with people, process, and technologies across our nation and partners can uplift our information domain challenges.
Tim has more than two decades experience as an information warfare expert, with extensive applied knowledge and skills across operations, capability development, management, and strategy working within the Australian National Security apparatus, and closely with allies and partners.
With a breadth and depth of experience across special operations communications, electronic warfare, signals intelligence, cyber security, emerging and disruptive technologies, and information operations, Tim is a leader in the field of information warfare.
Sara Allen
Chief People Officer
(CPO)
At UBH, our people are the heart of our organisation. I firmly believe that by nurturing talent, fostering relationships, and championing a culture of inclusivity, growth, and well-being, we can cultivate a thriving, adaptable, and successful workforce that makes a meaningful impact on our clients.
Sara is a Human Resource specialist with over 20 years' experience in workforce planning and employment, talent development and management, total rewards, and employee relations. Sara has helped big organisations lead their staff through change with compassion and will bring her immense talents to UBH and our clients.
Sara is a values-based leader and manager, who is passionate about fostering relationships through effective listening and communication. She is inclusive in her approach to human resource management and workplace relations and, is a strong advocate for a people-first approach to capability.
Mark Schneider
Chief Nuclear Officer
I am a distinguished engineering manager with 23 years of extensive experience in nuclear power and operations, complemented by 26 years in electronics. My career spans key roles in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard, as well as the commercial industry. Throughout my professional journey, I have demonstrated exceptional leadership and technical expertise, particularly in the nuclear sector.
Mark has successfully supervised up to 50 personnel and five managers. He has led complex, multidisciplinary teams, including active military, reserve military, government civilians, and contractors. His notable achievements include managing a $57 million contract for the U.S. Coast Guard's communications suite, ensuring seamless procurement and sustainment of critical equipment.
In previous roles, Mark has provided nuclear regulatory oversight for the construction of Virginia-class submarines, managed critical events like reactor compartment end loads, initial reactor fills, plant testing, and initial critical operations testing. His extensive experience in the testing and operations of nuclear power plants, particularly during high-stress conditions, underscores his deep expertise in the nuclear field.
Mark's technical proficiency is further demonstrated through his background in reactor controls and his development of procedures for various electronic and communication systems. His training as an S9G Nuclear Reactor Design specialist and his significant contributions to enhancing nuclear power safety and efficiency solidify his reputation as a nuclear industry expert.
Chief Engineer
Steve Madsen
I believe in an engineering approach that focuses on tangible outcomes and pragmatic, end-user-focused solutions that deliver speed to capability.
Steven is an experienced Systems Integration Engineer with a demonstrated history of successfully leading Defence industry teams.
Steven brings to UBH Group deep engineering expertise as a respected leader and project management professional. Steven has a strong ability to lead teams through dynamic engineering methodologies that weight effort to value levers, assuring safety, effectiveness, and productivity.
His experience and achievements with the Australian Army as an Engineering and Logistics Officer is indicative of his ability to lead and manage multiple cross-functional teams across a variety of departments.
Steven will lead UBH Group’s engineering department as they complete various projects, collaborating with engineers and technicians, executing plans safely and efficiently with an End User focus. He is an insightful and consultative engineer who has received accolades for his expertise.
Rhiannon Stanley
Communications Director
At UBH Group, our strength lies in harnessing the creativity and diverse perspectives of our team, fueling the innovation we’re known for. I’m proud to work alongside such strong communicators, united by a shared purpose to create solutions that not only address today’s challenges but also shape the future.
With nearly 20 years' experience across multiple government roles, Rhi brings extensive expertise in communications, project management, and navigating the intricacies of ministerial and parliamentary processes. Her leadership philosophy centres on fostering collaboration among diverse teams. She is passionate about strategic issues management, brand stewardship, and the coordination of impactful communication efforts.
Ray Casterline
Head of Software Development
At UBH Group, our commitment to excellence and innovation is rooted in our core belief that technology should empower people and drive national resilience. I believe that fostering a culture of trust, collaboration and teamwork is critical to unlocking Australia's technological advantage.
Ray brings over 34 years of experience in software engineering and project management to UBH Group. He has led the development of complex real-time process control systems, IoT solutions, and advanced defence applications. Ray has held significant roles at Axeda Corporation, L3Harris Corporation, and across various consulting firms. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and is a recognized contributor to several industry standards and patents. At UBH, Ray focuses on leveraging technology to drive innovation and enhance Australia's technological capabilities.
Rachel Brennan
Account Director: Western Australia
Across my military and post-military career I have always loved finding practical solutions to complex problems and working with people to implement them. UBH and I believe that Western Australia is full of talented, innovative people as diverse and tough as the landscape - just what we need to tackle the national security and nation building problems and opportunities on our doorstep. West is Best!
Rachel brings a wealth of experience across military and government intelligence, cyber security, the energy sector, governance, risk and compliance, and security and emergency management but her demonstrated strengths across all of these fields are in leadership, problem solving and relationship building.
As a proud West Australian, Rachel is well placed to lead UBH growth in Western Australia across all of its portfolios - in particular we are very excited about the potential to partner with West Australian government entities, businesses and organisations to build and certify the nuclear supply chain ecosystem ready for AUKUS.
Kelsea Ravell
Account Director: Strategy & Advisory
I like to challenge the art of the possible and think creatively to achieve optimal outcomes. I pride myself on establishing genuine connections and being authentic and inclusive.
Kelsea is an experienced professional with over 15 years' combined experience in the fields of military intelligence, national security, and professional services consulting. She specialises in executive advisory, learning & development, complex problem-solving, and strategy development. She thrives analysing complex problems, synthesising information, working through challenges, and developing innovative solutions.
Kelsea balances an inclusive, authentic leadership style with drive, creativity, and strong technical expertise to maximise team potential and accelerate team performance. She creates a collaborative, positive environment for her teams and encourages innovation and continuous improvement. She actively invests in the development of her team members and seeks opportunities to continually evolve and grow as a professional and leader.
º º º
Supporting the community
We contend that people are central to any endeavor. That's why we have programs to develop our employees. We have programs to develop client's employees. And that’s why we support the Duke Of Edinburgh's International Award here in Australia.
Challenging young people to find their purpose, passion, and place in the world to become #WORLDREADY.
We believe in empowering veterans and their families.
That's why UBH are proud supporters of Soldier On.
º º º
Owned by veterans
The UBH Group is proudly recognised as an Australian Veteran Owned Business.
