SPA Australia promotes Anthony Ween to Defence lead
Mon, 18th May 2026 (Today)
SPA Australia has promoted Anthony Ween to National Lead - Defence & Analytics, putting him in charge of the firm's analytics work for government and defence clients.
Ween has been with SPA Australia for three years and previously served as Chief Analyst and Director - Integrated Force, Land and Air. In that role, he led multidisciplinary teams delivering modelling, analysis and decision support for government and Defence programs.
He brings more than 30 years of experience across Defence, national security, operations analysis and capability decision support. Earlier in his career, he held senior roles at the Department of Defence and the Defence Science and Technology Group.
Defence portfolio
In the new role, Ween will oversee an analytics portfolio spanning undersea, surface, land, air, space and cyber, as well as logistics, command and control, and national support. The work combines domain expertise with military operations research, systems analysis and engineering to support government decision-making.
He has also contributed to changes in Defence planning structures, helping design and implement the One Defence Capability System and serving as the inaugural industry lead for the Military Operations Research Society Australian Defence Community of Practise.
Ween was awarded a Secretary and Chief of the Defence Force Commendation for his contribution to the First Principles Review implementation team.
Analytics expansion
The promotion comes as SPA Australia expands its analytics business. It has invested in what it describes as sovereign analytical capability, including a classified analytics laboratory equipped with modelling and simulation tools for Defence and government work.
SPA Australia joined forces with Proximity in 2025, creating a business that offers legal, commercial, consulting and analytics services to government. The combined organisation has worked with Commonwealth agencies including the Department of Defence, the Department of Home Affairs, the Australian Taxation Office, the Department of Health, Disability & Ageing, Services Australia and the Department of Social Services.
The appointment places a long-serving defence analyst at the centre of one of the company's specialist practices. Ween is based in Canberra.
Leadership focus
Managing Director Zoe Lynam linked the promotion to his record in the sector.
"Anthony is one of Australia's most respected defence analytics specialists, with an exceptional ability to translate complex problems into rigorous, evidence-based decision support," said Zoe Lynam, Managing Director, SPA Australia.
"We're thrilled to appoint Anthony to lead our Defence & Analytics practice. His depth of experience across strategic planning, operations analysis, modelling and simulation, and capability development will continue to strengthen the trusted support we provide to government, particularly our Defence clients."
"In addition to his technical expertise, Anthony is recognised for his authenticity, sound judgement and ability to build high-performing teams and enduring client relationships," added Lynam.
Rising demand
Ween said demand for analytical support was rising across government and defence.
"I'm proud to be stepping into the role of National Lead - Defence & Analytics and to work alongside such a talented team," said Anthony Ween, National Lead - Defence & Analytics, SPA Australia.
"Over the past three decades, I've had the opportunity to work across a range of Defence domains, from technology and simulation through to strategy and force design. What has remained constant is the importance of rigorous, objective analysis in supporting better decisions."
"I'm looking forward to continuing to strengthen our analytics capability and helping deliver meaningful impact where it matters most," added Ween.