New CEO Johnson will bring over 40 years’ experience in global technology leadership, making strategic investments in disruptive technologies, and developing business strategies to the TII, the applied research pillar of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) based in Abu Dhabi.
Prior to joining TII, Johnson served as an operating partner at American venture capital company Bessemer Venture Partners, and previously held the roles of corporate senior vice-president for engineering, technology, and operations and CTO of the Lockheed Martin Corporation.
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.”
New TII CEO Johnson commented: “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.”
The top chief executive and CEO appointments in tech
About the TII
The TII is a 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 talent, universities, research institutions and industry partners worldwide, the Institute serves as a global network, and contributes to building an R&D ecosystem in Abu Dhabi and the UAE, in its mission to reinforce the country as a global innovation hub.
