Advanced Navigation has appointed Michelle Toscan as Head of APAC, a move that comes as governments and industry across the region grapple with increasing disruption to satellite-based navigation systems.
Toscan takes on the role following a period of growth for the company and will be responsible for overseeing its operations and partnerships across Asia–Pacific. Her focus will be on supporting the delivery of positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) systems designed to operate in environments where GPS signals may be unreliable or unavailable.
Concerns about GPS jamming, spoofing and broader supply-chain resilience have intensified in recent years, affecting sectors ranging from maritime and aviation to critical infrastructure and defence. Against this backdrop, organisations are increasingly assessing alternatives and complementary technologies to satellite-based navigation.
Advanced Navigation chairman Malcolm Turnbull said the appointment reflects these regional pressures, noting the need for systems that can operate independently of GPS in certain conditions.
Toscan joins Advanced Navigation after a career spanning defence, government and industry. She most recently worked at Anduril Industries, where she held a senior strategy and commercial role across multiple operational domains. Her previous experience also includes roles at Google and Leidos, focused on government engagement and commercial management of complex technology programs.
In parallel with her industry career, Toscan has served as a legal officer in the Royal Australian Navy for more than two decades and continues to support the Department of Defence. This has given her exposure to defence procurement processes, regulatory requirements and sovereign capability considerations.
Advanced Navigation chief revenue officer Christopher McNamara said Toscan’s background across defence and commercial technology sectors would support the company’s regional activities.
Toscan holds qualifications in law and international relations from the University of New South Wales, as well as postgraduate qualifications in military law and legal practice.
Her appointment comes at a time when navigation resilience is becoming a practical operational issue rather than a niche technical concern, particularly for organisations operating in environments where reliance on satellite signals alone may no longer be sufficient.
