Powell Electronics, a global provider of high-reliability connectors designed for demanding environments, is strengthening its presence in Australia and New Zealand with the opening of a new branch office in Sydney. The company has appointed Dhanya Chandrasekhar as Regional Sales Manager for Australia and New Zealand (ANZ). Since joining Powell Electronics in September 2026, Chandrasekhar has been focused on developing the company’s regional footprint in collaboration with Powell Electronics Europe and its sister company, ECM. Powell Electronics will also showcase its solutions at the Avalon Australian International Airshow in Victoria from 23–28 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 Manager ANZ, 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, Powell Electronics brings technical 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.
