Roke has appointed Matthew Albans as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to spearhead the company’s investment into research and development (R&D). Matthew’s appointment will enable Roke to continue to stand at the forefront of defence and security, delivering cutting-edge intelligence and engineering solutions that protect nations, troops, borders, and businesses.
Matthew brings more than 20 years of experience in the defence sector and joins Roke from L3Harris Technologies, where he served as interim Managing Director. He has held senior positions at BAE Systems, chaired TechUK’s Defence Research and Technology Forum, and was seconded to the Royal Navy’s Office of the CTO to advise on science and technology investment. His expertise spans defence, national security, innovation and VC investment.
Paul MacGregor, Managing Director of Roke, said: “R&D is the heartbeat of Roke - it’s how we ensure our customers outpace and outsmart their adversaries. We reinvest seven percent of our revenue into innovation every year, and with Matthew at the helm as CTO, we’ll sharpen that focus even further. His deep expertise and strategic mindset will be crucial in making sure we’re backing the right technologies to shape the battlefields of tomorrow.”
Matthew comments: “Roke has a proven track record of spotting game-changing technologies before anyone else, giving the UK and its allies a vital edge on the battlefield. With the pace of frontline innovation accelerating, whether that be through new UAV solutions, drone technology or military-grade robotics, staying ahead isn’t optional - it’s mission-critical. For almost seven decades, whatever the threat, from Northern Ireland to Afghanistan, Roke has been at the centre of the UK’s science and technology response. I’m excited to join Roke and help drive the next wave of breakthrough technologies that will protect our troops and keep our country, and its infrastructure, safe.”
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