Speaker Biographies
Samuel Grunhard, First Assistant Secretary, Department of Home Affairs
Sam Grunhard is Head of the Cyber and Infrastructure Security Centre, Department of Home Affairs.
In this role he provides advice to Government on critical infrastructure security and resilience, implements Australia’s aviation and maritime security and telecommunications security legislation, and provides background checking services for key industries.
MODERATOR: Roanne Monte, Chief Executive Officer, Armatec Global
Roanne Monte is the CEO and Chief Product Officer of Armatec Global, a Sydney-based impact technology company serving the defence, critical infrastructure, and public and private sectors. With a steadfast commitment to a human-centred approach to product builds, Roanne leads the company in delivering innovative cyber and physical threat intelligence solutions that prioritizes user needs and drive measurable business value. As the creator and co-architect of the company's flagship platform CapchrTM, Roanne harnesses the power of deep learning (DL), machine learning (ML), and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to provide cutting-edge solutions that enhance security, protect critical assets, and ensure the safety of individuals and organisations.
With over 18 years of experience building technology products from concept to implementation, she has led B2B2B and B2B2C enterprise software product management, platform architecture, and technology and product strategy. Her experience spans highly regulated industries working with domain and subject matter experts in successful productisation and digital transformation efforts. Technology platforms include defence, HIPAA-compliant healthcare, fintech, and professional services scaling 400K+ enterprise users involving unicorn start-ups and multinational organisations. She has a proven track record of leadership, having successfully led cross-functional teams in delivering innovative solutions and business objectives. Her ability to inspire collaboration and talent for strategic decision-making have been instrumental in driving organisational growth and fostering a culture of innovation.
Roanne is committed to ethical, human-focused product delivery that drives measurable business value. With a keen focus on leveraging Industry 4.0 technologies, she actively promotes their application to drive cost efficiency and reduction within organisations. Recognising the transformative potential of advanced technologies, she is dedicated to harnessing them to optimise processes, enhance productivity, and achieve tangible cost savings.
In addition to her professional achievements, she is the recipient of multiple humanitarian awards including from the Department of Foreign Affairs, the United Nations Delegations Women’s Club (UNDWC), and the Community Chest of Singapore.
Roanne's contributions and accomplishments have been recognised by several national and international media outlets, including the Sydney Morning Herald, the Daily Telegraph, Vogue, Marie Claire, Sky Europe, London Tonight, and others. She is the recipient of an outstanding performance award in platform strategy and architecture for critical infrastructure as a Univative STEM winner.
Before venturing into the tech sector, Roanne was one of the youngest principals to star in Miss Saigon in London’s West End, The King & I, and South Pacific at Lincoln Centre with Oscar winner Bill Murray. She has performed for notable dignitaries, including Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, and was the winner of the Let Them Shine competition by the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
An Australian-American raised in Sydney, Roanne holds a bachelor's degree in computer science and psychology graduating cum laude from Harvard University, and a juris doctor candidacy under an academic scholarship at Macquarie University Law School.
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