Sydney, Australia – 8 April 2026 – DroneShield, a global leader in advanced defense and counter unmanned systems (CUxS) technology, today announced a leadership transition with Angus Bean appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective today.

After leading DroneShield through a period of significant growth and global expansion, Oleg Vornik will step down as Chief Executive Officer. At the same time, Peter James will step down as Chairman of the Board following years of leadership and service to the company.

Under their leadership, DroneShield evolved from an emerging technology company into a globally recognized provider of counter-UAS solutions, expanding technology capabilities, customer base, and international footprint. The board and leadership team expressed their deep appreciation for the impact both leaders have had on the company’s development.

Outgoing CEO Oleg Vornik said: “It has been an experience of a lifetime to serve as DroneShield’s CEO.”

“Angus has been working closely with me as the driving force in the next stage of DroneShield’s growth, and is an excellent choice for this role. I look forward to supporting him over the next three months to ensure a seamless handover and wish him and all the DroneShield team only continued success in the future.”

*Image: Outgoing CEO Oleg Vornik and Angus Bean, CEO and Managing Director*

Angus Bean has been with DroneShield for over a decade and has played a central role in the development of the company’s core technologies and engineering strategy. As an engineer and long-standing leader, he has helped shape the capabilities that underpin DroneShield’s counter-UxS solutions today.

Commenting on his appointment, Bean said: “I joined DroneShield as its sixth employee and have had the privilege of leading the technical team’s growth from a small, ambitious team into a global leader. We are fortunate to have developed a strong depth of talent across DroneShield, including world-class leaders in engineering, physics, defence, intelligence and aerospace. Together the team continues to build technology that supports critical safety and security operations around the world.”

“I’ve had the opportunity to work side by side with Oleg and Peter since those early days, so I’m honored to step into the CEO role. Under Oleg’s leadership, DroneShield has transformed from a fledgling start up into a global leader in counter-unmanned systems.”

DroneShield remains focused on expanding its global presence and continuing to develop advanced counter-UxS technologies to support defense, government, and critical infrastructure customers worldwide.

Retirement of Peter James and Proposed Appointment of Hamish McLennan as Independent Non-Executive Chairman

After 10 years as DroneShield’s Chairman since before its Initial Public Offering in 2016, Peter James has announced his retirement from the Board and his decision to not stand for re-election at the Company’s Annual General Meeting on 29 May 2026 (AGM).

As part of the Board’s ongoing renewal process, Hamish McLennan will join the Board from 1 May 2026 as Independent Non-Executive Director and Chairman-Elect, and will assume the role of Chairman, at the conclusion of the AGM.

McLennan is an experienced executive and board director across private and public organisations with strong focus on building companies and driving superior corporate governance. He was Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ten Network Holdings until July 2015 and, before that, Executive Vice President, Office of the Chairman, at News Corp. As Chairman of REA, he has overseen growth in the company from approximately a $2 billion to a $20 billion market capitalisation business.

*Image: DroneShield's Chairman Hamish McLennan and Angus Bean, CEO and Managing Director*

Commenting on his appointment, McLennan said: “I have followed DroneShield’s trajectory closely and am looking forward to contributing to the next phase of the Company’s development both within Australia and abroad.”

“The Company has achieved significant progress under Peter and Oleg’s leadership, and I will work closely with Angus to build on this strong foundation.”

Read the full ASX announcement.