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The defence and security company has announced changes to its leadership team, appointing a retired Major General as its new chair.
Australian defence and cyber technology company Penten has appointed retired Major General Dr Marcus Thompson AM as the new chair of its board.
Dr Thompson, who first joined the board in August as a non-executive director, served for over 30 years with the Australian Defence Force, which included a stint as the inaugural head of the Information Warfare Division.
As the inaugural head, Dr Thompson was responsible for spearheading the ADF’s cyber, electronic warfare, intelligence, space, artificial intelligence, and command and control teams.
“At a time of unprecedented focus on cyber threats, I am delighted to be chairing one of Australia’s most innovative and fast-growing cyber technology businesses,” Dr Thompson said following his appointment as chair.
“Penten’s focus on secure mobility, applied artificial intelligence and tactical communications aims to build sovereign capability and support Australia’s cyber posture in defence and national security, and I am pleased to be combining my passion and experience in the role of chair.”
Penten CEO Matthew Wilson welcomed the appointment of Dr Thompson, who he said would help lead the company through its next phase of growth.
“Dr Thompson’s elevation to chair will ensure Penten’s business strategy remains the delivery of next-generation cyber technology to meet the growing need for high-assurance secure communications for Australia’s Defence and national security agencies,” he said.
Penten has also announced the appointment of Melinda Conrad as a non-executive director.
Conrad serves as a non-executive director of several publicly listed companies, including ASX Limited, Ampol and Stockland.
“We are privileged that a corporate leader of Melinda’s calibre is joining our team. Her strategic leadership and marketing experience, as well as a passion for governance, will be invaluable as Penten moves into its next growth phase,” Wilson added.
The Penten CEO concluded: “With a strong leadership team, more than 140 staff, and the recent $50 million investment from Five V Capital, Penten is ready to scale manufacture of the AltoCrypt product suite, and further develop our AI-enabled cyber decoys through a dedicated business division.”
[Related: Penten announces new major shareholder]
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