SCOTTISH radio technology company Sofant Technologies is signalling ambitious growth plans with the appointment of a new VP of Operations and a new non-executive director, both of them experienced leaders in their fields.
The appointments follow the company’s recent €7.3m contract from the European Space Agency to deliver a low-cost low-power satellite communications terminal which will make it much easier for people in rural and remote locations to get online.
Applying patented RF MEMS (radio frequency microelectromechanical systems), Sofant’s technology solves the most pressing power consumption and heat problems faced by the next generation of 5G and satellite communications systems.
The new vice-president of operations is Gary Morton, who joins Sofant from AAC Clyde Space where, as head of production, he successfully restructured satellite operations to build, test and deliver multiple Cubesat spacecraft simultaneously. He has over 20 years’ experience in the semiconductor industry having worked for a variety of top tier companies including Motorola, Atmel, Wolfson Microelectronics and Cirrus Logic.
Craig Samuel joins the board of Sofant Technologies as a non-executive director. Craig brings more than 25 years of industry experience with executive leadership positions in the UK, US & Chinese companies including Jersey Telecom, UT Starcom Inc., Unisys Corporation, Hewlett Packard Corporation, Compaq, and BP. His previous responsibilities have included CTO, head of technology & business transformation, and head of strategy & IP, mergers & acquisitions.
Craig has founded six technology start-ups in the UK and US as well as working closely with the US Government in defence, national security and civilian programmes. He is a regular adviser to private equity and venture groups on both sides of the Atlantic, and holds several private company board or advisory positions.
Sofant Technologies has launched its first Series A funding round, and expects to triple its headcount from 16 to 48 this year. This will create numerous high-skill jobs in Scotland’s engineering sector, from antenna and product design to component, product and software engineering.
David Wither, CEO, Sofant Technologies, said:
“The addition of these two talented and highly experienced individuals marks a new milestone in the evolution of the Sofant team. Craig’s extensive experience, deep sector knowledge and broad network will be extremely helpful to the company as we progress to the next phase of development. Gary’s broad range of operational experience, including manufacturing MEMS for high-volume, low-cost consumer electronics applications will also be invaluable as we prepare to scale our technology platform.”
Gary Morton, vice-president of operations, Sofant Technologies, said:
“I’m looking forward to delivering on the next phase of Sofant’s growth and development strategy. The company has designed a platform that is genuinely scalable, and I will be focused on implementing an operational structure that leverages proven supply partners to deliver our cost-effective technology to market on time and within budget.”
Craig Samuel, non-executive director, Sofant Technologies, said:
“Having worked in Silicon Valley and across the globe in various senior leadership and board positions for both private and public technology companies, I am excited to be working with David and the Sofant Board on their journey to revolutionise SatCom and Wireless networks using their cutting-edge technology. Their team and solutions are truly world-class, and will become key to helping power the next phase of our worldwide communication transformation journey.”
