New chief strategy officer joins Bristol's CFMS

Published by

Sam Pither

Dr Mark Woods is joining Bristol-based independent digital engineering consultancy The Centre for Modelling and Simulation (CFMS) as its new chief strategy officer.

He will oversee the firm’s direction while supporting the new development of new robotics and AI capabilities.

Sam Paice, Chief Executive Officer at CFMS, said: “Mark is a leader in autonomy and robotics, with experience in a range of high-profile projects that will prove vital in developing our robotic capabilities.

“His extensive and expert knowledge will play a crucial role in driving CFMS forward, enhancing the services we can provide to our partners, and strengthening our vision of supporting the growth of industrial digitalisation into new sectors. We are delighted to welcome him to the team.”

Mark brings 20 years’ experience in technical engineering experience in technical engineering across the space, aerospace and robotics industries as well as an impressive array of industry-leading accolades including the novel development of autonomous robotic and artificial intelligence (AI) elements for the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Mars exploration programme including its first robotic mission to Mars, called ExoMars.

In his newly created role, Mark will work alongside chief executive officer Sam Paice and the organisation’s senior leadership team on a strategy to support the company’s future growth.

He will also lead the development of a brand new robotics and AI offering along with helping to drive the organisation’s existing digital engineering and data science capabilities to support the UK’s net zero agenda.

Dr Mark Woods commented: “CFMS has a strong reputation for supporting the advancement of innovation in digital engineering across several, key industrial sectors. With levelling up and net zero high on the agenda, it’s an incredibly exciting time for novel solutions, and I’m looking forward to working alongside this talented team.”

Mark joins CFMS from CGI, a computer software and services company where he was responsible for setting the strategic, technical, research and commercial direction of its Autonomy and Robotics Group.

He has also provided strategic consultancy to a number of leading UK and global organisations, including the Sellafield, Network Rail and ESA, regarding the adoption and application of Al technologies.

Professor Iain Gray, Chairman at CFMS, said: “Mark joins at an incredibly exciting time for CFMS, with a number of innovative projects in the pipeline. His talent, enthusiasm, and fresh ideas will help push our organisation to new heights.”

Sam Pither

Sam is the Regional Editor of Biz News, responsible for both Hampshire and Dorset. A new recruit to journalism, Sam started writing for the Business Magazine as a freelancer in May of 2022 after completing his degree in English at University College London. His passion for local businesses and ability to tell a story soon caught the attention of the publication’s management team and have led to his meteoric rise. Sam, who lives in central Reading, takes a particular interest in technology, gaming and food and drink, having been a chef before starting his degree.