Les Zanati

With extensive experience in operational roles, Les is also passionate about business development and building relationships to provide shared benefit to all stakeholders.

Les’ enthusiasm for the defence industry developed while holding senior leadership positions within industry allowing him to take advantage of the industry’s strong collaborative nature and sound support from Governments to help build sovereign capability. 

His international experience extends to business development in North America where he was posted for two years. He was also responsible for establishing a new manufacturing facility in SE Asia.

As CEO of Mackay Consolidated Industries, Les was afforded opportunities to engage at a higher level within the defence industry and it is through these experiences that he is motivated to assist other SMEs undertaking a similar journey.

A graduate of the Defence Industry Study Course in 2011, Les is well acquainted with the vital relationships between industry and government and the ongoing importance of networking.

Les holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) and an MBA, majoring in Strategic Management.