Australian navigation and autonomous systems technology company, Advanced Navigation, has appointed Michelle Toscan to the role of Head of APAC.

She takes up the position at a time in which, the company says, GNSS-independent positioning, navigation and timing is “rapidly shifting from a strategic advantage to a baseline for commercial activity and national security”.

This is evidenced by the federal government’s move to establish a Joint Positioning, Navigation and Timing Directorate, which is now at its initial operating stage.

Advanced Navigation’s Chairman, former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, says that “Across APAC, we are witnessing an urgency to rethink navigation resilience from the ground up”.

“Advanced Navigation continues to take charge and demonstrate what it means to be a visionary sovereign innovator.

“Michelle’s appointment is a signal of Advanced Navigation’s commitment to staying at the forefront of national and commercial interests across the region.”

Toscan has served for nearly two decades in strategic, executive and legal roles in both the private and public sector, having worked for Anduril Industries, Google, Leidos and the Royal Australian Navy.

“As APAC’s strategic landscape evolves, Australia has a critical role to play in safeguarding our allied nations,” said Toscan.

“Advanced Navigation exemplifies the ingenuity, precision, and innovation Australian technology brings to complex systems on land, at sea, and in the air, where knowing your position is critical.

“I’m proud to join a company that leads through technological excellence with both defence and commercial partners.”