Max Kufner was appointed Vice President Above Water Systems of Thales Australia and New Zealand in October 2020. He has responsibility for Thales Australia’s Above Water Systems business which consists of a team of 650 project managers, engineers, technical, trades and support staff who provide Maritime Capability and Support Services to the Royal Australian Navy and Commercial customers and provide a range of tactical and critical systems and solutions to the RAN and ABF.
Over his 30+ years at Thales, Max has held several roles across the business including Director Naval Platform Services and Deputy VP and Asset Management Services Director, Maritime. He has worked on a range of complex projects which he provided strategic and operational oversight on including: support activities for the Royal Australian Navy’s Guided Missile Frigates, Minehunter Costal, Armidale Class Patrol Boats, Amphibious Ships, Air Warfare Destroyers and the Garden Island Dock Facility. Max has also held key roles on programs such as the FFG Upgrade Programme and is a member of Steering Committee for the Arctic/Offshore Patrol Ship and Joint Support Ship In-Service Support program for the Royal Canadian Navy.
Starting his career as an apprentice, Max subsequently completed Diploma, Degree and Masters qualifications in Engineering and Project Management; graduating from the University of Technology and Sydney University. Max also returned as a tutor on the Project Management Graduate Program at Sydney University on completion of his studies.