The Brenthurst Team

Steve Stead

Steve Stead is the Deputy-Director of the Brenthurst Foundation.

Steve Stead was commissioned into the Navy after completion of National Service in 1967. Studies at the Military Academy followed and in 1971 he spent a year in minesweepers and frigates before volunteering for submarine service in 1972. He progressed through the various posts to command in 1983 until the end of 1985. He completed Staff Course in 1986 and was posted to Maritime Intelligence for 1987-88. Three years as Naval Attaché in Paris from 1989 to 1991 followed and on return to South Africa was appointed to command the Submarine Flotilla until 1995. He completed the Joint Staff Course in 1993 and performed the functions of ceremonial ADC to Presidents De Klerk and Mandela from 1993-95. Appointed as standing Naval Task Group Commander in 1996-97, he planned and executed the fleet review for the Navy 75 celebrations in 1997. A term as Director Maritime Operations at Naval HQ from 1998 to 2001 followed and then as Director Capability Development at Joint Operations HQ from 2002 to 2006. The challenge of making a contribution to the objectives of the Brenthurst Foundation persuaded him to terminate his career in the military with the rank of Rear-Admiral and led to his joining the Foundation in August 2006.