Global defence and aerospace component distributor opens its first Australian operation in Sydney to deliver local support, franchised mil-spec linesand design-in expertise across Australia and New Zealand
Powell Electronics, the global specialist for high-reliability, harsh-environment connector design and manufacturing, expandsits operations into Australia and New Zealand by opening a local branch office in Sydney and appointing Dhanya Chandrasekhar as Regional Sales Manager ANZ. Having joined Powell in September 2026, Chandrasekharis establishing and growing the company’s presence within the region, working alongside Powell Electronics Europe and sister company ECM. Powell Electronics will be exhibiting at theAvalon Australian International Airshow in Victoria on the 23rd to 28th February, 2027.
Chandrasekhar brings approximately 15 years of experience in electronic component distribution and contract manufacturing, backed by an Electronics and Electrical Engineering background. Her career includes serving as Regional Sales Manager ANZ at Element14, where she managed key accounts across Australian OEMs and contract manufacturers, as well as Sales Manager at Circuitwise Electronics Manufacturing, supporting Australian defence and aerospace customers with complex manufacturing requirements.
The expansion comes as Australia undertakes its largest defence build-up, placing a heavy focus on developing sovereign manufacturing capabilities and boosting local content across defence and space programs. In her new role, Chandrasekhar will focus on providing local primes, contract manufacturers, and SMEs direct access to Powell Electronics’ authorised franchise lines, including Amphenol Aerospace, Glenair, Samtec and Positronic, backed by QPL-listed, AS9100-certified quality and full traceability.
“Powell Electronics is uniquely positioned to support the region’s focus on developing sovereign manufacturing capabilities and increasing local content across its defence and aerospace programmes,” says Gary Evans, CEO, Powell Electronics Europe and Australia. “The company is uniquely positioned to support businesses seeking reliable partners who understand the unique challenges of defence and aerospace supply chains, can meet stringent mil-spec requirements and provide responsive support throughout the product lifecycle.”
“I am delighted to lead Powell Electronics’ new Sydney office to establish and grow our presence in Australia and New Zealand as the industry builds its sovereign defence and aerospace capabilities,” says Dhanya Chandrasekhar, Regional Sales ManagerANZ, Powell Electronics Australia. “The company’s priority is to provide local manufacturers with direct access to authorised franchise lines and technical support helping them shorten lead times and build a resilient supply chain.”
With over 80 years of experience supporting defence and aerospace customers globally, including major primes and government contractors, PowellElectronics bringstechnical design-in support from concept through to production. This engineering-led approach helps customers overcome technical challenges, accelerate development cycles, and smoothly transition into manufacturing while strengthening their position within global and allied defence supply chains.
For more information about Powell Electronics’ authorised franchised lines or to discuss engineering design-in support, visit: powell-australia.com
