Kevin Santa Maria has spent 46 years as a leader in Singapore’s public service.

He first served in the Republic of Singapore Navy for 22 years in command and staff appointments, which included commanding ships and squadrons, and in senior staff appointments in intelligence and people development.

He then served 24 years in Singapore’s Ministry of Defence (MINDEF). He was a Senior Director, leading in a diversity of areas including operations, strategic planning, policy formulation and international relations. He later assumed the position of Chief-of-Staff and Inspector General at MINDEF, overseeing all corporate functions, risk management and governance. He also led organisational transformation efforts.

With a passion for leadership and organisational development, Kevin established a training academy in MINDEF. In the last 15 years, he has actively developed and conducted leadership programmes, and coached leaders.

Kevin holds a Master’s Degree in Leadership and Organisation Development and is a recipient of Singapore’s prestigious National Day Awards, Public Administration Medal—Bronze (Military, 1998), Silver (2009) and Gold (2021).

He is currently a Senior Advisor at MINDEF in leadership development and is also a Senior Consultant in a management consulting company.