FortifAI has appointed David Walker and Tim Edwards to its newly formed Advisory Board, reinforcing its push towards the commercial launch of the Nol8 AI Data Plane. These appointments bring heavyweight technology and financial services expertise to the company as it scales.
- Inaugural Advisory Board formed to guide Nol8 development
- David Walker, ex-Westpac CTO, joins as advisor
- Tim Edwards, MetLife tech leader, appointed
- Each receives performance rights under incentive scheme
- Board expansion signals focus ahead of Nol8 launch
High-Calibre Advisory Board Joins FortifAI
FortifAI Limited (ASX:FTI) has taken a significant step in its leadership build-out by establishing an Advisory Board to support the development and rollout of its Nol8 AI Data Plane. The company unveiled its inaugural members on 26 June 2026, naming David Walker and Tim Edwards; both veterans with deep technology and commercialisation experience; as key advisors.
David Walker Brings Financial Services Innovation
David Walker’s nearly 40-year career spans senior technology roles across major financial institutions including Westpac Banking Corporation, where he was Chief Technology Officer, and DBS Bank Singapore as an executive director. He also founded and exited a leading ASEAN data science firm, underscoring his entrepreneurial credentials. Currently, Walker leads Activate, a strategic advisory firm focused on AI-driven business transformation, and chairs the AI Institute External Advisory Board at the University of New South Wales.
Tim Edwards Adds Global Infrastructure Expertise
Tim Edwards brings over 25 years of global technology leadership, with a focus on infrastructure engineering, enterprise architecture, and strategic planning. His career includes senior roles at Bank of America and Ally, culminating in his current position as Head of Global Network and Hosting at MetLife. Edwards has overseen mission-critical technology platforms supporting large-scale operations and is well-versed in cloud environments, automation, and technology transformation.
Strategic Timing Ahead of Nol8 Launch
The appointments come as FortifAI accelerates towards the first commercial release of Nol8, its AI Data Plane designed to optimise data delivery for AI agents at wire speed. The Advisory Board is expected to provide guidance on customer engagement, market trends, and strategic alignment, meeting regularly with management and the company’s Board of Directors.
Each of the new advisors will receive 428,571 performance rights under FortifAI’s existing employee incentive scheme, vesting in equal tranches over 12 months, with an initial two-year term for their board membership. This move aligns with FortifAI’s broader leadership expansion, following the recent appointment of CEO Kelly Herrell, who is steering the company’s commercialisation efforts.
Bottom Line?
FortifAI’s ability to attract seasoned technology leaders to its Advisory Board highlights growing confidence in Nol8’s potential as AI infrastructure demand surges.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the Advisory Board influence Nol8’s go-to-market strategy?
- What additional expertise will future Advisory Board members bring?
- When can investors expect concrete commercial milestones tied to these appointments?