Kinetic IT names Dean Langenbach as new chief executive

Kinetic IT has appointed Dean Langenbach as chief executive officer, tasking him with leading the Australian-owned technology services provider through its next phase of growth.

Langenbach joins from NRI Australia & New Zealand, where he led more than 2,500 employees supporting about 300 enterprise and government clients across the region. He brings more than 20 years of executive leadership experience across technology services, consulting, managed services and enterprise solutions.

Kinetic IT provides technology services to government agencies and organisations in critical infrastructure sectors, spanning intelligent workplace services, cyber security, cloud and service integration. It also emphasises sovereign delivery and local decision-making for security oversight and operations.

Chair Sarah Adam-Gedge said the board conducted a broad search and prioritised preserving the company's Australian identity.

"The Board undertook a comprehensive search to identify a leader to guide the organisation through its next stage of evolution, while preserving its distinctly Australian identity," said Sarah Adam-Gedge, Chair, Kinetic IT.

The board highlighted expansion over the past year, including a stronger national footprint, more than $600 million in major contracts, and double-digit growth.

Growth agenda

Adam-Gedge linked the appointment to rising demand for AI-enabled and secure digital services, particularly among government and regulated industries. She said the board wanted a leader with experience scaling organisations, operating in complex technology environments and delivering for customers.

"As demand accelerates for AI-enabled and secure digital services, the Board sought a leader with the experience, strategic clarity, and commercial acumen to scale Kinetic IT at pace. Dean brings the right balance of commercial expertise, a deep understanding of complex technology environments and customer-centred delivery, alongside the proven ability to lead high-performing teams, pursue strategic growth investments, and deliver sustainable outcomes. Supported by a strong leadership team, he is well placed to elevate Kinetic IT's position among Australia's technology leaders," said Adam-Gedge.

The leadership change does not affect existing service delivery or customer arrangements, and Kinetic IT remains privately owned and governed in Australia. Decision-making and security oversight will continue to be handled locally.

Transition plan

Langenbach will be supported by interim CEO Shane Quinn during the transition. Quinn will then move into the chief operating officer role, overseeing delivery and customer digital transformation.

Kinetic IT also acknowledged former CEO Michael North, who led the company for a decade. The board credited North's tenure with strengthening its national reputation and culture.

Market backdrop

The appointment comes as Australian government agencies and critical infrastructure operators place greater emphasis on cyber security, resilience and domestic control of sensitive technology operations. Technology services providers are also adapting to increased interest in AI tools for service delivery, alongside tighter scrutiny of data handling and supply chain risk.

Kinetic IT operates nationally with more than 1,450 staff. It describes itself as one of Australia's largest privately owned technology services providers, with more than 25 years' experience working across government, defence and critical industry sectors.

Langenbach said sovereign capability and resilience would remain central to the company's positioning and direction.

"I'm energised by the opportunity to lead a uniquely Australian technology company at a time when sovereign capability and national resilience are critically important. With my Western Australian roots, I've seen the strength of Kinetic IT's reputation for delivering meaningful outcomes, supported by a strong culture and talented teams. My focus is to build on this foundation by expanding our national presence, harnessing AI and advanced technology solutions, and deepening strategic partnerships to deliver exceptional value to our customers," said Dean Langenbach, Chief Executive Officer, Kinetic IT.

He also outlined a focus on growth and digital infrastructure.

"Together, we will drive bold, sustainable growth that positions Kinetic IT at the forefront of technology innovation, while reinforcing Australia's secure and resilient digital infrastructure," said Langenbach.