Emily Elliott: Leading Imperial Armour into a New Era

Continuing a Family Legacy

Emily Elliott serves as the chief executive officer of Imperial Armour, a globally recognised manufacturer of high-performance body armour that caters to both local and international markets. This year marks the company’s twenty-fifth anniversary, a significant milestone that highlights its enduring dedication and resilience. Remarkably, at just twenty-nine years old, Emily’s journey with Imperial Armour is deeply connected to her family’s history and her personal convictions.

Reflecting on her childhood, Emily shares, “When I was about seven years old, I would ask my mum, whose life did you save today?” She recalls this fondly, noting that her passion for the business and industry took root early on. The Elliott family’s ties to the defence sector go back generations, as Emily explains: “Defence is in my blood. It’s carried through from my grandfather, through to my mum, to me. It has always been there.”

A Thoughtful Path to Leadership

Although Emily officially joined Imperial Armour a decade ago, her journey to the top was intentional and measured. After finishing school, she pursued a business diploma and explored several entrepreneurial ventures, including launching a clothing line for mothers and daughters. She adds with a laugh, “It’s quite ironic since I have two boys now.” Her experiences working and travelling in Asia further broadened her perspective, but her commitment to Imperial Armour remained strong. “I ended up coming back to Imperial Armour, realising that this is where I could make a difference.”

The transition into leadership was, as Emily describes, “a very steady process over the past five years,” culminating in her formal appointment as CEO. She recalls the sense of accomplishment: “Just seeing the documents finalised felt like the completion of something that had been in motion for a long time.”

Culture, Quality, and Innovation

As CEO, Emily has made fostering a strong company culture a central part of her vision. “We focus on teamwork and collaboration. The team’s synergy is one hundred percent there.” This commitment to people-first leadership has already produced real results. She shares, “The other day, I was sitting with staff members from different departments, and they each said to me, ‘I love working here. I love my job, and I love what I’m doing.’ For me, that made me realise that I am successfully impacting the company.”

Under Emily’s leadership, Imperial Armour has continued to excel within a robust quality assurance framework. “I live and breathe ISO,” she says, referencing the international quality management standard. “It’s a path that we’ve taken to make sure that we are successful. We measure, we set goals, and we work towards them.”

This dedication to quality has also spurred technical innovation. Emily points to significant advancements in product design that enhance functionality while reducing material waste. “For our most popular product line, we’ve managed to create minimal wastage, which has been amazing,” she explains.

The Contour 25 line exemplifies this approach, combining sustainability with ergonomic design. Emily notes, “When a reaction officer wears a vest, they need complete manoeuvrability. The Contour 25 allows that. You can hold your firearm with no restriction, sit in a vehicle comfortably, and have full protection. It’s been incredible, and our key accounts have already adopted this style.”

Empowering Women in Defence

Emily’s commitment to social responsibility is evident in her launch of the ‘Yes, You! Campaign’. “It’s directed at women, particularly from lower-income communities,” she explains. “Many of these women want to start their careers but may lack confidence, communication skills or even knowledge of how to prepare a CV. We train them, we help them grow their confidence, learn how to interview and present themselves.”

Initially introduced within the company, the campaign is set to expand into the broader community. Emily states, “My biggest dream has always been to be an entrepreneur who makes a difference. If I’m not making a difference, I’m not succeeding.”

In an industry traditionally dominated by men, Imperial Armour stands out as a company that is not only 100% female-owned but also employs a workforce that is 96% women. Emily proudly observes, “And while the industry may have traditionally been perceived as a ‘man’s world’ – consider the impact when women can: Design; Craft; Negotiate and Sell the highest quality of Body Armour.”

She also draws inspiration from her late father’s advice: “He always told me to learn from everyone who gives advice. Whether it’s with a pinch of salt or not, I always do my best to learn. I think it’s important to share that lesson with young women.”

Emily is passionate about encouraging more women to step into leadership roles within the defence sector. “I want young women to know they can be here, that they can succeed. Confidence is something you must believe in your head first. You may not have it all, but you can go for it, and the confidence comes.”

Ambitions for the Future

Looking ahead, Emily’s ambitions for Imperial Armour are clear. “I would like the brand’s market reach to grow,” she says. “We are already in seventy-eight countries but expanding on that is a huge goal for me. We need to protect as many people as we can.”

She emphasises that Imperial Armour’s mission goes beyond manufacturing. “We manufacture for the wearer, for their families. Our slogan is: ‘When you go in, we go in with you’. We may not physically accompany the wearers into dangerous environments, but through our garments, we are right there with them. I love that because it is truly Imperial Armour.”

Balancing Work and Life

With two young sons and a supportive husband, Emily understands the demands of maintaining balance. “I find balance through energising myself for work and energising myself from work for life,” she explains. “I make sure that my cup is filled with family and friends, and that brings me my best self for work and vice versa for home. I’m grateful for both.”