Technology Innovation Institute Appoints Eminent Technologist Dr Ray O. Johnson as CEO
2.8.2021 16:54:00 EEST | Business Wire | Press release
Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the applied research pillar of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), the overarching advanced technology body in Abu Dhabi responsible for driving research and development for transformative technology outcomes, today announced the appointment of veteran technologist and entrepreneur Dr Ray O. Johnson as Chief Executive Officer. Dr Johnson will work on shaping the strategic direction of the Institute and lead the execution of its growth strategies to achieve operational excellence.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210802005462/en/
Dr Ray O. Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, Technology Innovation Institute (Photo: AETOSWire)
Prior to joining TII, Dr Johnson was an Operating Partner at Bessemer Venture Partners, a top-tier American venture capital company that has been part of 130 IPOs in the last 50 years, and before that, he was the Corporate Senior Vice President for Engineering, Technology, and Operations and Chief Technology Officer of the Lockheed Martin Corporation.
Dr Johnson brings to his role over four decades of experience in global technology leadership, making strategic investments in disruptive technologies, and developing business strategies that resulted in several new billion-dollar lines of business. He also holds outstanding networking capabilities; he has met with leaders at the highest echelons of government, industry, and academia. He is frequently sought after as a speaker at global forums on business, strategy, innovation, and education.
Speaking on the new appointment, His Excellency Faisal Al Bannai, Secretary General of ATRC, said: “We welcome Dr Ray Johnson as the first CEO of Technology Innovation Institute. His appointment is a much anticipated one – we were keen that the person entrusted with this role should not merely be an excellent research and technology specialist, but equally, a consummate professional and industry stakeholder that is capable of ensuring the most positive outcomes for the breakthrough projects TII is currently engaged in across its seven initial dedicated research centres.
“We are confident Dr Johnson will be able to build game-changing synergies for TII as he leads it towards realising its wider goals of growing its talented global team of 375+ researchers, scientists, and engineers, and ensuring the objectives of the current workstreams are met. He will also leverage his vast network to further expand our visibility and reach across markets.”
For his part, Dr Ray O. Johnson said: “I am very excited about this new role in a region that I admire for its dedication to advanced research and development for the betterment of the UAE. Since TII’s inception in November 2020, I have followed its many announcements and achievements with great interest. As it moves into a new phase of growth, I look forward to working with the talented teams of researchers across its centres to drive competitive results and facilitate breakthrough solutions that transition to the market.”
Technology Innovation Institute (TII) is a pioneering global research and development centre that focuses on applied research and new-age technology capabilities. The Institute has seven initial dedicated research centres in quantum, autonomous robotics, cryptography, advanced materials, digital security, directed energy, and secure systems. By working with exceptional talent, universities, research institutions and industry partners from all over the world, the Institute connects an intellectual community and contributes to building an R&D ecosystem in Abu Dhabi and the UAE, reinforces the status of Abu Dhabi and the UAE as a global hub for innovation, and contributes to the broader development of the knowledge-based economy.
For information on Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), visit www.atrc.ae
For information on Technology Innovation Institute (TII), visit www.tii.ae
*Source: AETOSWire
To view this piece of content from cts.businesswire.com, please give your consent at the top of this page.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210802005462/en/
Contact information
Technology Innovation Institute
Hanz Valbuena
hanz.valbuena@tii.ae
About Business Wire
For more than 50 years, Business Wire has been the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure.
Subscribe to releases from Business Wire
Subscribe to all the latest releases from Business Wire by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Latest releases from Business Wire
Brenus Pharma Welcomes New European and Asia-Pacific Life Sciences Investors in Series A Extension20.7.2026 23:00:00 EEST | Press release
Brenus Pharma today announced an €11 million ($12.6M) extension to its Series A round, bringing total capital raised since inception to €38 million ($43.5M). This funding reflects strong execution across clinical, regulatory, and business development milestones, de-risking STC-1010 (NCT06934538): lead clinical-stage in-vivo immunotherapy for MSS mCRC, while positioning the company’s proprietary platform for multi-asset expansion. The round was supported by strong follow-on participation from existing investors, including Angelor, UI Investissement (managing FRAI), Crédit Agricole (CACE Création, CACF Capital Innovation), Noshaq, Orsa (formerly Investsud), BIO JAG, and Bpifrance (through non-dilutive funding). This round also welcomes two new international investors: Sambrinvest, strengthening the company’s European shareholder base, and Korea Omega Investment Corp, marking its first institutional investment from the Asia-Pacific region. "We couldn't be more confident in our first inves
Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Expands Into Luxury Hospitality20.7.2026 19:30:00 EEST | Press release
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, known for the iconic Hollywood Sign® and Hollywood Walk of Fame®, is expanding into luxury hospitality through a strategic partnership with The Scene Hotels & Resorts to launch Hollywood Hotels & Residences. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260720026178/en/ The Scene Hotels & Resorts, with 40+ years of combined expertise in hospitality, travel, and brand development, will lead the brand’s development and management. The partnership will bring the Hollywood lifestyle to luxury hotels and branded residences around the world, creating immersive destinations inspired by the world's entertainment capital. "This partnership represents far more than an expansion of the Hollywood brand—it reflects our vision of Hollywood as the world's premier hub for entertainment, creativity, and commerce," said Ron Frierson, President & CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. "By deepening our in
Epic Flight Academy Agrees to Purchase up to 50 Pipistrel Voyager Aircraft, Supplementing Its Fleet of Trainers as It Supports Continued Pilot Training20.7.2026 18:38:00 EEST | Press release
Pipistrel, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company and an affiliate of Textron Aviation Inc., today announced Epic Flight Academy as the launch customer for the Pipistrel Voyager during Textron Aviation’s press conference at EAA AirVenture 2026. The company has signed a purchase agreement for up to 50 Voyager aircraft, with an order for 10 initial deliveries beginning in 2027, and options for up to 20 additional aircraft in 2028 and 20 in 2029, supporting the continued expansion of its training fleet and growing demand for pilot training. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260720003143/en/ Epic Flight Academy agrees to purchase up to 50 Pipistrel Voyager aircraft, supplementing its fleet of trainers as it supports continued pilot training (Photo Credit: Pipistrel, a Textron Inc. company and an affiliate of Textron Aviation Inc.) Epic Flight Academy is a Florida-based flight training provider offering FAA Part 141 and
New Pipistrel Voyager Brings Next Generation Training Capabilities and Access to Flight Schools20.7.2026 16:00:00 EEST | Press release
Pipistrel, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company and an affiliate of Textron Aviation Inc., today introduced the Pipistrel Voyager, a next-generation training aircraft designed to expand capability for flight schools while maintaining the efficiency and simplicity owners and operators expect from Pipistrel. Purpose-built for evolving pilot training requirements, the Voyager is designed to align with anticipated Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) regulations. This positions the aircraft to support broader training missions while improving access to pilot development. The aircraft is expected to enter into service in 2027. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260720673571/en/ New Pipistrel Voyager brings next generation training capabilities and access to flight schools (Photo Credit: Pipistrel, a Textron Inc. company and an affiliate of Textron Aviation Inc.) The Voyager is making its world d
Expensify Launches Corporate Card in Europe20.7.2026 16:00:00 EEST | Press release
Expensify, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXFY), the easiest way to manage expenses, corporate cards, and travel, today announced that the Expensify Card is available to businesses of all sizes in the UK and select European markets, including Spain, Ireland, Poland, and the Netherlands. “The Expensify Card works quietly in the background to keep your business spend controlled, compliant, and ready for accounting,” said David Barrett, founder and CEO of Expensify. “It’s a preaccounting assistant that eliminates hours of reconciling transactions, chasing receipts, and reimbursing employees. One of our US customers, Pivot Bio, cut down on their expense report audit times by 90%. We can’t wait to share that same time savings with millions of businesses in the UK and EU.” Key benefits of the Expensify Card include: Real-time spend visibility: Transactions appear instantly in Expensify, so finance teams aren't waiting until month-end to see what was spent. Auto-categorization and receipt matching: Concierge
In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases, find our press contacts, images, documents and other relevant information about us.
Visit our pressroom
