Australian cyber technology leader, Penten, today announced the appointment of Dr Marcus Thompson AM as the new Chair of the Penten Board of Directors.  Dr Thompson joined the Penten Board as a non-executive Director in March 2021.  Penten is also delighted to welcome to the Board Ms Melinda Conrad as a non-executive Director.  Ms Conrad brings a wealth of experience to Penten as a non-executive director of several publicly listed companies including ASX Limited, Ampol and Stockland.

Dr Thompson retired from military service as a Major General in 2021 after a distinguished career including serving as the inaugural Head of Information Warfare, where he led defence force capabilities in cyber, electronic warfare, intelligence, space, artificial intelligence, and command and control.

“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.

“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,” he said.

Penten CEO Matthew Wilson said, “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 also welcomed Ms Conrad to the Board saying: “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.”

“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,” Mr Wilson said.