Russ Beaudin is the Vice-President of Defence at Calian, Advanced Technologies. Russ has more than 28 years of experience in the defence industry supporting various technical and leadership roles associated with the evolution of the Canadian Army platforms and tactical networks. Russ is responsible for the successful execution and delivery of defence projects as well as strategic planning and overall growth of the business unit.
Learn more about Russ Beaudin in this Q&A session.
Q: Can you tell me a bit about your background and your role at Calian?
RB: I have worked in the defence industry for a little over 28 years, supporting various technical and management roles associated with the Canadian Army and key aspects of their tactical networks. I am currently responsible for the successful execution and growth of the Advanced Technologies Defence business unit at Calian. My primary focus is ensuring our teams have the tools they need to successfully deliver products and services to our defence customers, as well as exploring innovative capabilities that can be developed and deployed across our customers’ platforms, ensuring they are successful regardless of their operational environments.
Q: How is your role linked with Canadian national defence?
RB: Directly – our teams support programs for the Department of National Defence, DRDC and many of the prime contractors in the defence industry. We are a key contributor the successful delivery of critical systems and products for the CAF. I have the pleasure of meeting with many of these companies where we collaboratively and look for opportunities to provide innovative and reliable products for the CAF.
Q: How does your role support the security of Canada and the rest of the world?
RB: The products and services that Calian designs, manufactures and delivers, including Vetronics, harness assemblies and full RF Ground Systems for satellite communications, must work at all times regardless of the operational scenarios they are used in. We need to ensure that the women and men who keep us safe can rely on the quality and functionality of the products we provide.
Q: How does it make you feel to know that you are contributing to our national defence?
RB: I have been very fortunate over my professional career to be an integrated part of our national defence. I have had the opportunity to witness and be part of the many changes and technology upgrades in the CAFs operational equipment and how the end users deploy it. Part of this included working with the end users and integrating their feedback and suggestions to further develop products to meet their expectations. I am very proud of our Canadian Armed Forces and all that they do to keep us and others safe.
Q: What is your favourite part of your job?
RB: Our people. At Calian, we help the world communicate, innovate, learn and lead safe and healthy lives – every day! It is a pleasure working with so many amazing professionals that take this seriously, and it shows in the products and services we provide to our customers.
Q: How does what you do at Calian fit in with your view of your place in the world?
RB: I love being challenged and being part of team that wants to make a difference. It’s very rewarding to be able to provide products and services that make a difference to our Canadian Armed Forces and I also appreciate the success stories and feedback they provide.
Q: What activities do you enjoying doing outside of work?
RB: I enjoy spending time with my family and being outdoors! Camping, snowboarding and biking are a few of my favorite activities.
