Some of the highlights of Major General Williams’ career include: two attachments to the British Army, one of which was of a two-year duration and included an operational tour to Bosnia; Company Command in East Timor with the 2nd New Zealand Battalion as part of the United Nations Force; Unit Command of the 2nd Health Support Battalion; Formation Command of the New Zealand Army Training and Doctrine Command; attendance at The Royal College of Defence Studies in London; a four year secondment to London as the Defence Advisor Head, New Zealand Defence Staff; followed by assignment as the Assistant Chief Strategic Commitments and Engagements. Most recently Major General Williams was appointed Deputy Chief of Army in July 2019.

Major General Williams was awarded a Commendation for his role as Company Commander B Coy, 2nd New Zealand Battalion, East Timor. His operational service includes tours of duty to Belize, Bosnia, Sinai, East Timor, Banda Aceh, and Afghanistan. Major General Williams completed a Diploma in Joint and Multinational Operations and a master’s degree in Military Art and Science at the United States Army Command and Staff College Course at Leavenworth.

Major General Williams is married to Kristin. He has a teenage son and daughter of his own and two stepdaughters, one of which is an Army Doctor and the other is an Intelligence Operator in the New Zealand Army.