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
JTB to Acquire Asian DMC Leader EXO Travel for Accelerated Global Growth18.6.2026 05:00:00 EEST | Press release
JTB Corp. today announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire all the shares of All Wise Holdings Pte. Ltd., the operator of Bangkok-based EXO Travel Group, a leading Destination Management Companies (DMCs) in Asia. The acquisition will be made through a JTB group company in the Asia-Pacific region. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260615106801/en/ EXO Travel operates in the B2B market, primarily across Asia Pacific. For over 30 years, it has consistently maintained high customer satisfaction based on trust, achievements and high-quality service. The company has a strong brand presence in the affluent markets of Europe, North America and Australia, where the trust of partner companies contributes significantly to its value. Additionally, EXO Travel leverages its extensive network of destinations in Asia Pacific to develop strong products and adapt flexibly to changing customer needs. EXO Travel's unique
LabGenius Therapeutics and LG Chem Enter a Research Collaboration, Option and License Agreement to Develop an AI/ML-Designed Tumour-Targeting Antibody18.6.2026 02:01:00 EEST | Press release
LabGenius Therapeutics (“LabGenius”), a drug discovery company combining machine learning (ML) and high-throughput experimentation to optimise therapeutic antibodies, today announced a multi-year research collaboration, option and licensing agreement with LG Chem. The collaboration aims to identify next-generation multispecific antibodies designed to overcome the key limitations of existing immunotherapies, including on-target, off-tumour toxicities. Together, the companies will aim to develop a novel, tumour-selective therapeutic targeting a solid tumour antigen expressed across multiple difficult-to-treat cancer types. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260615992992/en/ “Partnering with LG Chem represents a very important moment for LabGenius and provides further validation of our platform’s ability to design highly optimised multispecific antibodies,”said Dr. James Field, CEO of LabGenius. “We welcome this opp
Joe Vernachio Named President of SOREL18.6.2026 01:00:00 EEST | Press release
Columbia Sportswear Company (Nasdaq: COLM), a leading innovator in active outdoor apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment, today announced that Joe Vernachio will be the next President of SOREL. Founded in 1962, SOREL is a leader in functional and lifestyle footwear that can be worn anywhere from the tundra to the streets of New York City. “We’re excited to welcome Joe Vernachio back to the Columbia Sportswear family,” said Tim Boyle, CEO and Chair of the Board. “Joe is a terrific leader who can build on the great work, talent and momentum in place at SOREL.” Mr. Vernachio led the Mountain Hardwear brand for several years, until he left to become the COO and ultimately, the CEO of Allbirds. His background also includes time as Global Vice President for Product and Operations at The North Face, and key roles at Nike, Spyder, Roots, Calvin Klein and Patagonia. “Joe is a consumer‑focused, collaborative leader with a deep passion for product and brand storytelling. His energy, experti
Venture Global and EnBW Announce New LNG Purchase Agreements17.6.2026 23:30:00 EEST | Press release
Today, Venture Global, Inc. (NYSE: VG) and EnBW announced the execution of new, binding agreements for the purchase of approximately 0.82 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Venture Global for approximately five years commencing in 2026, to be supplied from Venture Global’s portfolio. The new agreements add to the existing long-term sales and purchase agreements (SPAs) between Venture Global and EnBW for 2 MTPA for 20 years. “As one of Germany’s top LNG suppliers, Venture Global is proud to strengthen our partnership with EnBW and support the region’s energy security with a reliable supply of LNG,” said Venture Global CEO Mike Sabel. “The new mid-term agreements build on our strong, long-standing relationship with EnBW and reflects our commitment to meeting our customers’ evolving energy needs. Our dynamic marketing platform uniquely positions us to provide supply solutions across the short, medium, and long term.” About Venture Global Venture Globa
Kinaxis Announces Results of Voting at Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders17.6.2026 23:05:00 EEST | Press release
Kinaxis® Inc. (“Kinaxis” or the “Company”) (TSX:KXS), a global leader in end-to-end supply chain planning and orchestration, received approval for all resolutions put forward to shareholders at today’s Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders (the “Meeting”), as detailed in the Company’s management information circular dated May 5, 2026 (the “Circular”). 1. Election of Directors Shareholders voted to elect all eight directors nominated to the Kinaxis board, to hold office until the close of the next annual meeting of shareholders of the Company or until their successors are elected or appointed. Name of Nominee Total Number of Votes For Percentage of Votes For Total Number of Votes Against Percentage of Votes Against Razat Gaurav 21,870,163 99.01% 219,468 0.99% Robert Courteau 20,882,945 94.54% 1,206,685 5.46% Gillian (Jill) Denham 21,474,486 97.22% 615,143 2.78% José Alberto Duarte 21,699,181 98.23% 390,448 1.77% Lynn Loewen 21,952,244 99.38% 137,387 0.62% Angel Mendez 21,410,402 96
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