TWPG Strengthens Leadership as USMC Accepts Latest Watercraft

Edenton, North Carolina USA & Sydney, Australia: The Whiskey Project Group (TWPG), a leading global manufacturer of next-generation multi-mission reconnaissance and tactical watercraft is excited to share its continued growth with the acceptance of Whiskey Bravo’s and the strategic enhancement of its Australian operations through the appointment of key leaders.

In October 2024, TWPG established a new U.S. headquarters and manufacturing hub in Edenton, North Carolina. This state-of-the-art 50-acre facility integrates shipbuilding and warehousing, set to create over 50 jobs within 100,000 square feet of fabrication and industrial manufacturing space. The expansion bolsters TWPG's capacity to design and maintain lightweight aluminium and composite vessels that meet the highest military and commercial maritime standards.

Following pre-delivery inspection trials of the Whiskey Bravo - Multi-Mission Reconnaissance Craft (MMRC-B), TWPG has successfully delivered four (4) Whiskey Bravo (MMRC-B) to the United States Marine Corps (USMC) in California.

As one of the first industry-led examples of technology collaboration and sharing, the USMC has highlighted that TWPG’s next-generation watercraft not only meet but exceed U.S. naval standards for small craft performance, significantly enhancing capabilities for future littoral operations.

The MMRC, developed by TWPG, an Australian veteran-owned company specialising in tactical watercraft, is designed to enhance operational effectiveness in contemporary warfare environments. The craft integrates advanced technologies and features tailored for versatile operational roles, including reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

The partnership with USMC leverages the expertise of highly skilled Marines with TWPG’s civilian maritime experience, contributing to the development of Total Force capabilities in littoral manoeuvre. The MMRC’s modular design allows for quick reconfiguration to meet specific mission requirements, whether for reconnaissance, direct action, or logistical support.

TWPG continues to experience significant global expansion, driven by its deepening partnerships with the USMC, Marine Forces Reserve, and the Australian Defence Force (ADF). As demand for TWPG’s advanced maritime capabilities increases across allied defence forces, the company has undertaken a strategic leadership expansion to support its global growth and operational excellence.

To further enhance TWPG’s ability to meet the evolving needs of its defence partners, Ms Leisha Johnstone has been appointed Chief Operating Officer, and Mr Paul McGauley has been appointed Head of Supply Chain, both effective immediately. Based at TWPG’s Sydney Headquarters, their expertise will be instrumental in scaling operations, strengthening global supply chain resilience, and optimising the company’s ability to deliver next-generation tactical watercraft to allied forces worldwide.

TWPG’s leadership expansion brings deep defence sector experience and global industry acumen, reinforcing the company’s capacity to meet the evolving demands of our defence allies.
Leisha Johnstone, appointed Chief Operating Officer, brings decades of leadership spanning the private and public sectors with a unique blend of strategic, operations, commercial, and legal expertise. Her track record includes driving complex acquisitions, securing capital funding, leading major infrastructure investments, and steering and building diverse teams across startups and established enterprises.

Having held key roles at Geodetica, Lockheed Martin, EOS Defence Systems, Hanwha Defence Australia, Fujitsu, Telstra and LDJ Business Advisory & Commercial Services, Ms Johnstone has worked extensively with the Department of Defence, Capability and Sustainment Group (CASG), and key stakeholders across Australia and the United States. This extensive experience gained from diverse roles especially in the global defence industry, have given her a unique perspective and skill set, and her expertise will be a great asset to TWPG's global expansion efforts.

As Head of Supply Chain, ADF Veteran, Paul McGauley brings extensive experience optimising global supply chain operations and enhancing strategic efficiencies. With a career spanning Electro Optic Systems (EOS), Crown Equipment, General Dynamics, and Australian Aerospace, Mr McGauley has successfully led large teams, streamlined processes, and designed systems that enhance operational performance and drive growth. His practical approach to managing complex logistics and supply chain challenges will ensure TWPG maintains resilient, efficient operations to support its growing defence partnerships.

These appointments reflect TWPG’s commitment to enhancing its leadership team to support its expanding footprint in the U.S. and allied defence markets, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of maritime innovation and mission-ready capability delivery.

Darren Schuback, Chief Executive Officer of TWPG said, “The acceptance of our Whiskey Bravo vessels by the USMC represents a significant achievement in our mission to provide operator-focused watercraft that deliver optimal performance and protection for those who risk their lives in the maritime environment," said Darren Schuback, CEO of The Whiskey Project Group.

"This achievement underscores our commitment to advancing maritime capabilities through innovative design and strategic partnerships, reinforcing our position as a leader in the global maritime industry.”
"We are thrilled to welcome Leisha to our leadership team. Her appointment underscores our commitment to strategic growth and operational excellence. Her extensive private and public experience will be instrumental as we further expand our global operations and enhance our Australia and New Zealand manufacturing capabilities."

"We are equally as delighted to welcome Paul as our new Head of Supply Chain. With his unparalleled experience in optimising supply chain operations and driving strategic efficiency across global organisations, he will be invaluable as we continue to expand our manufacturing capabilities and deliver high-performance watercraft worldwide,” said Mr Schuback.