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Sydney-based artificial intelligence, robotics and navigation technology manufacturer Advanced Navigation has expanded its US operations with the appointment of a defence and industry veteran as global head of defence, based in Washington DC.
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Wayne Prender has been appointed as Advanced Navigation’s global head of defence, marking the company’s commitment to deepening technology relationships between Australia and the United States.
He joins the company with 20 years of defence industry experience, including 18 years at Textron where he was the senior vice-president of air systems.
He previously served in the US Army, including as a platoon leader and Battalion Intelligence Officer. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his actions during his deployment to Iraq.
Prender also serves on the Board of Directors for The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International.
The appointment comes at an important time for Advanced Navigation’s continued growth, the company’s chief revenue officer, Christopher McNamara, said.
“It’s a fantastic win for our business to have recruited Wayne at this pivotal moment of growth. Drawn from his decades of field experience, Wayne brings not only deep domain expertise in uncrewed systems but also an exceptional understanding of the problems warfighters face.
“His appointment is a logical step in our strategy to partner with global defence firms and militaries as we tackle their most pressing APNT challenges.”
The appointment comes as the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy highlighted position, navigation and timing as a critical and emerging technology for use within defence.
Prender welcomed the opportunity to support allied warfighters in the role.
“From counter-UAS to unmanned underwater vehicles, Advanced Navigation has been at the forefront of developing innovative and reliable APNT solutions where they are needed most. Especially as defence technology cooperation and trade between Australia and the US deepen under the AUKUS Pillar 2 and GWEO initiatives, the appointment of a global head of defence based here in Washington DC is the right move at the right time.”
Prender will be based in Washington DC, alongside the chairman of Advanced Navigation’s Defence Advisory Board, General (Ret’d) David Petraeus.
