The honour recognises Anthony’s decades of leadership and contribution to Australian manufacturing, innovation, and sovereign industrial capability

REDARC Group congratulates Managing Director Anthony Kittel on being appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List in recognition of his significant service to the electronics industry and the defence sector.
Since purchasing the business in 1997, Anthony has transformed REDARC from a small electronics business into a globally recognised manufacturer of advanced electronics.
Under Anthony’s leadership, REDARC established REDARC Defence and Space in 2019, a dedicated division focused on delivering sovereign, ruggedised electronics and sustainment solutions for defence and aerospace sectors.
Today, the division supports major defence programs and contributes to Australia’s sovereign defence capability.
Reflecting on the honour, Anthony recognised the contribution of the entire REDARC team.
“This recognition is definitely not mine alone. It is a reflection of the incredible work, dedication, and passion that every single employee brings to REDARC each and every day,” Anthony said.
Beyond Anthony’s personal achievements, the appointment also reflects REDARC’s role in strengthening Australian manufacturing, the development of skilled local talent, and the delivery of Australian designed technologies to customers around the world.
During Anthony’s tenure, REDARC has become one of Australia’s leading advanced manufacturers and a trusted supplier to industries including defence, space, mining, transport, recreational vehicles, and automotive.
Through a focus on innovation, engineering excellence and customer outcomes, he has positioned the company for sustained growth and international success.
Central to this growth has been Anthony’s commitment to the automotive aftermarket sector.
In 2022, the lasting impact he and REDARC have made on the Australian automotive aftermarket was recognised through his induction into the AAAA Hall of Fame, the industry’s highest individual honour.
“Anthony is a remarkable Australian who has built an incredible global business,” Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Charity, said in congratulating Anthony on his 2026 appointment.
“He has a passion for Australian R&D, engineering and sustainable manufacturing, which has seen the development of leading innovative products that REDARC has taken to the world.
“As someone who has devoted his energy and knowledge to so many worthy causes, I can’t think of a person more worthy of this recognition.”
While Anthony’s impact on Australian manufacturing and industry is well recognised, he and REDARC have always believed that business success brings a responsibility to give back to the community.
Across charities, schools, universities, sporting and environmental groups throughout Australia, REDARC’s community commitment runs deep.
As National Power Partner of Orange Sky, the world’s first free mobile laundry and shower service for people experiencing homelessness, REDARC’s power technology has helped reduce fleet electrical consumption by up to 90 percent per shift, allowing Orange Sky to support an additional 1,000 people each year.
REDARC also partners with the Get Home Safe Foundation, supporting road safety initiatives across regional South Australia.
These partnerships reflect Anthony’s belief that successful businesses have a responsibility to make a meaningful contribution to the communities they serve.
Australian Auto Aftermarket Magazine would like to join with the entire REDARC team and the wider automotive aftermarket industry in congratulating Anthony on this well-deserved national recognition and thank him for his continued leadership and commitment to the future of Australian manufacturing.

For more from REDARC, visit www.redarc.com.au