DTC Vice Chair Michael Hartas

Mike joined Shoal as the Deputy CEO and Head of Programs for Shoal Group in 2023. Prior to joining Shoal he was the General Manager of REDARC Defence and Space; where between 2017 and 2022 he grew the business from being the first staff member to growing a team of 25 dedicated professionals delivering electronic systems to defence customers in Australia and around the world.

A Defence professional, Mike was an army Officer for 18 years and served on numerous operational tours in leadership roles. Since being medically discharged in 2013, Mike has continued his passion for supporting the war fighter by establishing a second meaningful career as a consultant in weapons engineering and then in business development and account management.

Throughout Mike’s time in Defence industry he has been passionate about bringing good ideas and people together, collaboratively to deliver capability. Mike’s technical capacity combined with his passion for taking the team on the journey to solve complex problems has resulted in a number of successful collaborations between the Australian Defence Force and industry. Since joining REDARC Mike has focused on making the business ‘Defence Ready’ and brings significant experience on what is required to achieve market entry in this sector.

Mike has previously taught in the academic sector at UniSA as a Lecturer for the Master of Project Management Program, owned and operated a small business and currently is the Surf Life Saving – South Australia Lifesaving Advisory Committee Representative responsible for the introduction of Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems to coast line. I was selected for this role, through a competitive process because of my experience and ability to solve complex problems in a collaborative manner engaging multiple stakeholders.