NEW YORK, May 5 – Altana, the world’s only product network, is pleased to announce that former Australian Border Force Commissioner and Comptroller-General of Customs Michael Outram APM has joined our advisory board.
Michael brings to Altana more than 40 years of experience building public-private partnerships in customs enforcement, policing, intelligence, and trade compliance. He will advise Altana CEO Evan Smith as the company builds a global B2B and B2G user network on top of the world’s largest body of supply chain data, using advanced AI and collaborative tools to facilitate trusted global trade.
"We have an opportunity to reimagine how we secure international borders and build trusted, resilient supply chains. I’m excited to join a company whose mission so closely reflects that vision."
Michael Outram APM, Former Australian Border Force Commissioner and Comptroller-General of Customs
Michael’s unparalleled insight on borders and trade policy in the Asia-Pacific will support Altana’s expansion in the region, where Altana is already delivering insight and analysis for the Australian Government.
“Global trade is being transformed by the adoption of AI,” said Outram. “We have an opportunity to reimagine how we secure international borders and build trusted, resilient supply chains. I’m excited to join a company whose mission so closely reflects that vision.”
Prior to becoming commissioner in 2018, Michael led the Australian Border Force’s Operations Group, overseeing compliance and enforcement operations relating to the movement of people and goods across the border. He previously served as an assistant commissioner with the Australian Federal Police, and was the operational commander for the 2014 G20 Summit in Brisbane and the response to the downing of Malaysian Airlines Flight 17 over Ukraine. Michael also served as a detective with the Metropolitan Police in London, his hometown.
“Michael has a history of innovative collaboration with the private sector, foreign governments, and international organizations to facilitate trusted trade and strengthen enforcement,” said Altana CEO Evan Smith. “He’ll be sharing his expertise to help Altana solve the most pressing challenges of globalisation.”
Michael joins Australian advisory board member Paul Robson, CEO of MYOB and former President International at Adobe, on Altana’s Advisory Board. With nearly 30 years of experience driving innovation and growth across global markets, Robson brings deep expertise in scaling enterprise software businesses worldwide.
“At MYOB, I saw first hand how large supply chains are powered by networks of small businesses,” Robson said. “Altana is the first company to truly model this interconnected reality, enabling risk assessment and collaboration across the entire supplier network.”
As part of its Australian expansion, Altana is opening an office and building out a local team. Leading Altana’s local operations is Alice Hudson, who brings extensive experience as a senior national security advisor to the Australian Government. Under her leadership, Altana is further strengthening its commitment to security and compliance in the region. The company has achieved Australian IRAP assessment, affirming its alignment with the country’s highest cyber security standards. Outram and Robson will work closely with Hudson and the Australian team. Altana’s expansion in Australia is a critical step in building a globally distributed product network — one that empowers governments and businesses to collaborate on secure, transparent, and resilient trade.
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