Advisory Board
At Syniad Innovations, we combine scientific creativity, technological know-how, systematic entrepreneurship, professional management, and executive leadership in a single, unique organization.
Dr. William (Bill) Lyons is former Executive Director of the Enterprise Technology Office of the Boeing Company. He led research and development strategy, technology planning, technical capability building and partnerships that spanned large industrials, universities, small-to-medium enterprises and start-ups. He was recognized as a globally minded executive leader with demonstrated expertise in technology development and was responsible for developing global operations. He launched numerous university-industry consortia and global engineering and research centres in North America, Australia, Korea, Japan, Brazil and the Middle East. While at Boeing, he held progressively senior leadership roles globally and achieved “technical fellow” status due to his technical and scientific expertise. Dr. Lyons brings world-class experience in technology insertion, innovation management, aerospace & defence manufacturing, space science and sustainability technologies. His deep industry and technology experience also spans multiple sectors including aerospace & defence, higher education, national laboratories and the public sector.
He holds an MBA in Leadership from Seattle University, as well as a B.Ed., and B.S. in Climatology degrees from James Cook University, and a PhD in Atmospheric Sciences from The University of Queensland.
Dr. Spike Wilcox is former Chief Strategy Officer at Oxford Nanopores (LSE: ONT). He was instrumental in guiding the company’s strategic direction and taking it from its launch to a £3.5B IPO. Dr. Wilcox holds a D.Phil. in Biochemistry from Oxford University, where he developed a deep understanding of the latest advances in the field and honed his skills in strategic thinking. He leveraged this knowledge and expertise to guide Oxford Nanopores to the forefront of the industry, creating new technologies and innovations that have made a major impact on the biotech and nanotechnology landscapes.
Dr. Kirsty Hewitson is the Director of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Collaboration with the UK Atomic Energy Authority. She is also a leader in innovation and technology transfer, having held various senior positions in academia and industry. She is the former CEO of Innovate UK’s Knowledge Transfer Network, where she leveraged her expertise to drive innovation and growth in the UK. Dr. Hewitson has also served as the Vice President of Strategy & Innovation at the National Nuclear Laboratory and as Director of Helsinki University Innovations. She also held a Glasstone Research Fellowship at Oxford University, where she earned her MChem and DPhil.
Throughout her career, Dr. Hewitson has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing innovation and driving progress in her field. She is known for her strategic vision and ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders across academia, government, and industry. With her extensive background and deep understanding of the innovation landscape, she is well-positioned to continue driving growth in the UK’s innovation sector.
Neil Rutter is an experienced defense executive, specializing in Canadian ITB (offset) funding. He has held several senior positions in the defence and aerospace industry, including General Manager of Textron Systems Canada Inc. and Senior Manager, Industrial Participation at Lockheed Martin. He attended the New York University School of Law and is licensed as an attorney in both Canada and the United States, bringing a unique perspective and legal expertise to his work. Additionally, he has served as an Artillery Officer in the Canadian Armed Forces, providing him with a strong foundation in military operations and strategy. Throughout his career, Neil has demonstrated a deep understanding of offset funding and a commitment to excellence in all his endeavours.
Graham Bell is the Managing Partner of Bridge Partners, specializing in Middle Eastern investment opportunities. With over 28 years of experience in the Middle East, his focus has been on bringing innovative businesses, technologies, and services to market by leveraging strong local connections and international expertise. Graham has a proven track record in developing and managing high-quality investments, deploying $250-500 million annually, and targeting mid-to-large capital transactions with strategic value for the Middle East. His areas of expertise include Saudi Arabia, venture capital, technology transfer, corporate finance, investor relations, and key sectors such as energy, telecoms, healthcare, education, IT, and tourism. He holds a B.A. Hons, in International Relations from University of Sussex.