July 2, 2021, Melbourne, Australia
AVT Australia, specialists in lightweight, gyro-stabilised imaging systems for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), has appointed Dale Heinken as President. Heinken joined the team this week in AVT Australia’s Headquarters in Melbourne.
Heinken returned to Australia last month following a successful 26-year career in the U.S. Navy. During his years of service, Heinken demonstrated exceptional skills in leadership, particularly in his recent position as Commanding Officer of the USS Boxer (LHD 4) amphibious assault ship. During his last deployment, Heinken experienced first-hand operation of AVT Australia’s CM202U gyro-stabilised imaging system and CUAS Suite software.
As President of AVT Australia, Heinken will play a critical role in leading the executive team. In addition to running day-to-day operations and management of the organisation, Heinken will provide strategic leadership to further strengthen AVT Australia’s operations and grow the organisation in order to ensure the continuous
delivery of engineering and manufacturing excellence. Heinken’s commitment to service is perfectly aligned to AVT Australia’s strategic objective.
“It is a pleasure to join a fantastic company that is leading the field of gimbal development for surveillance and counter UAS operations” said Dale Heinken, “The AVT Australia team is stacked with brilliant, dedicated, and personable people that embody excellence. I look forward to leading this team in continuing to provide the systems our customers rely upon from fighting wildfires to countering drones.”
“We are delighted to welcome Dale Heinken to our team at AVT Australia” said AVT Australia Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Dr. Philipp Senn, “Dale is an outstanding addition to the team, and will make a critical contribution that will elevate AVT Australia to the next level as a continued defence partner and Australian Sovereign Capability provider.
“Dale Heinken has gained a vast and diverse set of leadership skills from his time at the US Naval Academy, and throughout his distinguished naval career.” AVT Australia Managing Director, Joel Pineiro, added, “Those skills that have been refined over his professional career, bring invaluable knowledge and experience to an amazing and talented team in a rapid growth phase.
AVT Australia supports veterans transitioning out of the military by offering opportunities that leverage their military background and experience to create outstanding customer outcomes. As President at AVT Australia, Heinken is fulfilling a wedding promise to his wife, a Tasmania native, to return to Australia.
Heinken will have continued leadership and organisational support from Dr. Senn, AVT Australia’s CTO and Joel Pineiro, AVT COO & AVTA Managing Director. The leadership team is further strengthened by Evert van Schuppen, a 7-year veteran of AVT Australia who is taking on the role of Director of Operations, and Jason Clifton, a 10-year veteran of AVT Australia, who was recently appointed as Director of Business Operations.
