By Adrian Olivier
After a stint working on Parliament Hill for a Cabinet Minister and a Member of Parliament, Alex Maheu found his calling in the fields of defence and national security. Particularly drawn to discussions on defending Canada’s long Arctic coastline from national security threats, Maheu’s time on Parliament Hill exposed him to the critical role played by the defence industry in supporting Canada’s security priorities.
Leveraging his political experience, Maheu was able to apply his knowledge and passion for helping defence companies increase their value proposition in major procurement bids as a defence lobbyist consultant. He has worked for such clients as Boeing Defence, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, MBDA Missile Systems, Naval Group (DCNS), PAL Aerospace, and Terradyne Armoured Vehicles.
Maheu is currently the Head of Public Policy for National Security and Defence at Amazon Web Services (AWS), where he is responsible for working with senior policymakers and elected officials to drive advanced technology adoption in the defence and security sector. With expertise in showcasing how cutting-edge solutions can enhance the operational readiness and effectiveness of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and of our national security agencies, Maheu’s job is to raise awareness of the transformative potential of digital technologies, including AI, machine learning, and cloud computing capabilities.
Maheu works extensively with regulators to shape policies and regulations related to the critical areas of cybersecurity, geospacial technologies, International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Controls, Industrial Technology Benefits (ITB), and technology procurement among others. His work helps ensure these frameworks align with Canada’s allies to foster greater interoperability and intelligence sharing among allied nations.
Maheu considers his career’s two most stand-out moments to be his role in securing major defence contracts worth billions of dollars for both Boeing and General Atomics. These contracts were the result of years of dedicated effort in developing procurement strategies and his expertise and guidance were essential in securing them. At Boeing Maheu helped craft the successful strategy that led to the procurement project worth $5.9 billion for the RCAF to acquire the P8 Multi-mission aircraft, a sophisticated maritime patrol and reconnaissance platform. While handling the Boeing contract, Maheu simultaneously advised General Atomics on their bid to supply Canada’s Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) solution with the MQ-9 platform. That deal is worth $2.49 billion. His strategic counsel and deep understanding of the political landscape were instrumental in positioning General Atomics as the prime contractor for this critical defence program.
While Maheu can claim significant achievements in his career in the defence sector, he notes that there are certain career barriers that can be challenging to overcome in an industry that is highly competitive and often opaque. In an industry as heavily regulated as the defence sector, with its stringent compliance requirements and complex procurement procedures, navigating the labyrinth of regulations, policies, and protocols can be a formidable task – made harder when dealing with multiple government agencies and international clients. He’s faced and overcome the entrenched relationships and long-standing ties between some defence contractors and government agencies. It can be hard for newcomers or those without extensive industry connections to break into these well-established networks. These barriers are not insurmountable, but even for Maheu, with his expertise and strategic political acumen, these factors proved to be hurdles as they slowed his career advancement at various points.
Despite the hurdles, it’s been a rewarding career. For Maheu, the opportunity to contribute directly to the safety and security of our nation and its allies has been incredibly fulfilling. The work he does plays a vital role in protecting lives, safeguarding national interests, and ensuring the defence capabilities of our country. At the same time, the stimulation and reward of working in an industry that is pushing the boundaries of technology is equally rewarding. Being a part of driving cutting-edge technological advancements in areas such as AI, quantum computing, electronics, cybersecurity, and cloud computing is ground-breaking and has allowed him to make his mark.
For those with a passion for innovation and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, Maheu offers some sage advice for young executives entering the defence industry:
One needs to cultivate a deep understanding of the industry – it’s a highly complex sector with intricate regulations, intricate procurement processes, and a unique set of stakeholders. Dedicate your time to thoroughly understanding the industry’s nuances, including the key players, decision-making processes, and the ever-evolving technological landscape.
Building a strong network is crucial. Relationships are everything in the defence industry and you’ll need to actively seek out opportunities to connect with industry veterans, government officials, and influential decision-makers. To expand your professional circle and establish valuable connections that will serve you well in your career, he advises attending industry events, conferences, and networking gatherings.
In line with that, one should seek out mentors who have successfully navigated industry challenges and can provide seasoned and invaluable guidance, insights, and experience. Learn from their successes and failures and leverage their knowledge to accelerate your growth.
You’re not going to make it if you’re not resilient and adaptable. It’s a dynamic industry with shifting priorities, evolving technologies, and challenging geopolitical landscapes. You’ll need to develop the ability to navigate ambiguity, adapt to change, and navigate challenges with resilience and a solutions-oriented mindset.
Staying up to date with current industry developments is crucial. Stay abreast of the latest technological advancements, policy changes, and geopolitical shifts that could impact the industry. Attend industry events, read trade publications, and engage with thought leaders to maintain a comprehensive understanding of emerging trends and challenges.
This year Maheu will be focusing on exploring opportunities to support the Minister of Defence in implementing and executing his newly published AI strategy. The strategic initiative represents a significant step forward in leveraging the transformative potential of artificial intelligence to bolster Canada’s defence capabilities and maintain a competitive edge. He’ll also be exploring opportunities for international cooperation and knowledge-sharing in defence and national security with Canada’s international allies, including participating in multinational initiatives, exchanging best practices, and aligning AI strategies with allied nations to enhance interoperability and collective defence capabilities.
Outside his professional life, Maheu is a sailing aficionado, adrenaline junkie, and speed enthusiast. As if the high-stakes and tense nature of his professional life weren’t enough, he’s a born thrill-seeker, beginning a lifelong passion for sailing at a young age that has shaped who he is today. In New Zealand, Maheu once spent a week skydiving, rafting in caves, ziplining, and canyoning – a stark contrast to the calculated and strategic persona he likes to project in the office. Whatever the environment, he thrives on high
stakes.
