Two US-based industry veterans will help accelerate archTIS Ltd (ASX:AR9, OTCQB:ARHLF)'s expansion into North America’s defence and government markets. The strategic hires represent the first deployment of funds raised in the company’s recent A$7.5 million placement and align with its goal to grow global sales and implementation capability.
Erik Hanson and Darroll Walsh will lead customer-facing activities across technical sales, onboarding, implementation, and success initiatives. Their arrival follows recent momentum with the US Department of Defence and signals archTIS’ commitment to building a dedicated US presence.
The company expects to build its dedicated US team in the months ahead.
“Expanding our operational footprint within the United States is foundational to our international growth strategy. In addition to being a substantial market opportunity, the US also serves as a global benchmark for technology, and for security and compliance in heavily regulated industries,” AR9 CEO and managing director Daniel Lai said.
“By strengthening our local delivery capabilities and supporting our US customers with experienced teams on the ground, we are laying the foundation for long-term growth in a market where credibility and trust are essential.
“With our new team members’ deep domain expertise in defence and cybersecurity, archTIS is better positioned than ever to meet the expectations of mission-critical environments. These initial hires mark the beginning of a broader-scale effort to expand within the United States.”
Erik Hanson to lead strategic defence programs
Erik Hanson joins as director, strategic programs, bringing deep expertise in secure digital transformation and cloud adoption across allied defence sectors. Hanson has led sovereign cloud and mission-ready platform strategies for global defence organisations including NATO, the US Department of Defence, the UK Ministry of Defence, and the Australian Defence Force.
A former US Army Signal Officer, Hanson is known for aligning complex digital infrastructure with operational imperatives. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Indiana University and a Master of Science in Information Systems from Northwestern University.
Darroll Walsh appointed director, technical programs
Darroll Walsh brings a strong track record of delivering compliant, secure and scalable platforms to multinational government clients. His career spans major initiatives for NATO, the United Nations, the Royal Canadian Navy and US defence agencies.
Walsh began his professional journey in the US Air Force, where he supported NATO peacekeeping missions. He is recognised for inclusive leadership and aligning mission needs with technical delivery across globally dispersed teams.
Capital raise fuels US market expansion
The appointments follow archTIS’ successful A$7.5 million placement in early July 2025. The capital is being used to fund US operations, accelerate partnerships and boost product development.
While not classified as key management, Hanson and Walsh are pivotal to building a US operational footprint and increasing product uptake among defence, intelligence, and government customers. Their addition complements recent leadership recruitment, including Gerard Foley, formerly of Raytheon Australia, who now heads government and national security at archTIS.
The appointments aim to deepen customer engagement and establish long-term growth in one of the world’s most security-conscious markets.