Our story
Established in 2019, Sunstone was founded on Defence experience in capability assurance and integration across complex technology and Defence programs. Veteran-run and a proud veteran employer, Sunstone values the discipline, perspective and operational experience that veterans bring to complex work.
Today, we apply that experience across government and industry, bringing a practical understanding of complex operating environments, capability delivery and assurance.
Leadership
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Ash Thakur
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Ash is a strategic technology and transformation leader with experience across strategic planning, enterprise architecture, and complex project delivery. As Co-Founder and CEO of Sunstone Advisory, he works with Defence and government organisations to strengthen capability, technology and decision-making.
Ash brings experience across multiple sectors, with a focus on applying technology and systems thinking to complex organisational challenges. -
James Ellis-Smith
Managing Director
James is an intelligence professional with over two decades of experience across the military, national intelligence community and commercial sectors. A former Army officer, he brings extensive experience in intelligence, national security and strategic advisory.
James is also a PhD research candidate at the Australian National University, where his research builds on his professional experience in intelligence and security.
Our team
Amit is a delivery and operations leader with extensive experience delivering complex technology, transformation and service delivery across government and industry. He specialises in delivery management, governance, Agile ways of working and stakeholder engagement, bringing a collaborative and pragmatic approach to achieving outcomes.
He has worked with organisations including Commonwealth Bank, NAB, Qantas, Services Australia, DFAT and Defence.
Amit Malhotra
Paul is the Chief Technology Officer, leading technical strategy, product development and innovation. With more than 20 years’ experience supporting large federal agencies, he specialises in translating complex technology challenges into practical outcomes and delivering large-scale transformation programs.
Before joining Sunstone, Paul was a federal Chief Technologist at DXC Technology, where he established the Continuous Innovation Program to modernise service delivery practices across more than 300 delivery staff.
Paul Sluis
Sam is a Canberra-based Defence and consulting leader with over 20 years’ experience across the Australian Defence Force and consulting. He specialises in capability development, solution design, data platforms, governance, risk management and stakeholder engagement, leading complex transformation and modernisation initiatives across Defence and government.
Sam Waite
Our core values
Our values are central to how we work with our clients and the outcomes we deliver. They shape our decisions, strengthen our partnerships and ensure the highest standards to every engagement.
Integrity
We act with honesty, transparency and professionalism, building trusted relationships through clear advice and accountable delivery.
Client Focus
We take the time to understand our clients’ goals, challenges and priorities and deliver tailored solutions.
Innovation
We embrace fresh thinking and continuous improvements, helping clients navigate complexity and identify new opportunities for growth.
Sustainability
We are committed to creating long-term value by integrating environmental, economic, and social responsibility into our practices.
Collaboration
We work closely with our clients and stakeholders, fostering open communication, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to success.
Excellence
We pursue the highest standard in everything we do, consistently delivering high-quality outcomes for our clients.
Sunstone Advisory is committed to conducting business with integrity, transparency and accountability. We build trusted relationships through fairness, respect and responsible decision-making, while prioritising sustainable outcomes and considering the environmental and social impact of our operations and solutions.
We are equally committed to strengthening Australian industry by drawing on local talent, resources and partnerships, while creating meaningful opportunities for veterans to contribute their skills and experience. Through these commitments, we aim to deliver lasting value for our clients and contribute to a stronger, more resilient Australia.
Ethical & sustainable practices
