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Navigation and autonomous systems company Advanced Navigation has appointed Michelle Toscan as head of APAC.
Toscan joins Advanced Navigation after nearly two decades of supporting Defence, federal government and industry in the procurement, delivery and employment of advanced technologies.
Toscan will immediately lead Advanced Navigation’s engagement in the Australian Defence Department’s Global Supply Chain Program, where it already supports allies and industry partners.
The company is a key supplier for Rheinmetall, delivering strategic-grade inertial navigation systems for the Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles, while its resilient PNT architectures are trusted across defence primes, including Boeing, Leidos, BAE Systems, L3Harris, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon.
“Across APAC, we are witnessing an urgency to rethink navigation resilience from the ground up. Escalating GPS interference and mounting supply-chain vulnerabilities demand sovereign solutions that can withstand extreme environments,” Advanced Navigation chairman and former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said.
“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 holds a master’s degree in international law and international relations and two bachelor’s degrees in law and arts (history) from the University of NSW. Additionally, she holds a graduate diploma in military law from the Australian National University and a graduate diploma in legal practice from the College of Law.
Toscan’s appointment is expected to be instrumental as assured, GPS-independent autonomy is rapidly shifting from a strategic advantage to a baseline for commercial activity and national security.
She is tasked with accelerating the delivery of Advanced Navigation’s dual-use, resilient positioning, navigation and timing innovations across extreme environments, from deep sea to space.
“Toscan’s deep understanding of the Defence and federal government landscapes, coupled with her extensive commercial experience, makes her uniquely qualified to lead our APAC expansion,” Advanced Navigation chief revenue officer Christopher McNamara said.
“Defence platforms, such as radar, tactical and autonomous systems rely on uncompromisable navigation precision.
“Maritime platforms, including autonomous surface vessels and underwater vehicles, require GPS-independent positioning.
“Mining operations also increasingly depend on GPS‑denied solutions for underground positioning and autonomous fleet management.”
Toscan has previously served as a legal officer with the Royal Australian Navy and the Department of Defence, director of strategy and commercial with Anduril Industries, account executive at Google, head of sourcing and commercial management with Leidos.
“As APAC’s strategic landscape evolves, Australia has a critical role to play in safeguarding our allied nations,” Toscan said.
“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.”
