The Australian Naval Institute announced the winner of the 2019 McNeil Prize at its Annual Dinner in Canberra on June 5. The recipient of the 2019 McNeil Prize was Mr Peter Jenkins, who is founder and Managing Director of Jenkins Engineering Defence Systems in Sydney. The Prize is awarded to an individual from Australian industry who has made an outstanding contribution to the capabilities of the Royal Australian Navy. It was awarded to Mr Jenkins by the Acting Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Mark Hammond in the presence of members of the McNeil family and Mr Scott Thompson, Interim CEO of Lockheed Martin Australia who co-sponsor the Prize with the ANI. The McNeil Prize is named in memory of Rear Admiral Percival McNeil who was one of the driving forces behind Australian shipbuilding during World War II.
Mr Peter Jenkins has led his company for 30 years which provides electronic warfare and communications equipment of its own design as well as supporting systems of overseas manufacture that are fitted to the Royal Australian Navy’s fleet of submarines, destroyers and frigates. The President of The Australian Naval Institute, Vice Admiral Peter Jones said that ‘Peter Jenkins, through his leadership, drive and innovation has made made an outstanding contribution to the RAN over three decades. What is also notable is the dedication of his staff to their work and their company with the average tenure of Peter’s team being around 15 years. He is a worthy recipient of McNeil Prize. The ANI and Lockheed Martin Australia are delighted to be able recognise Peter Jenkins’ achievements.”
