Oxford: Autonomous vehicle specialist appoints new VP

Oxbotica, the autonomous software company, has appointed Richard Jinks as vice-president - commercial with specific focus on off-road and risk solutions.

In his role, Jinks will be responsible for expanding Oxbotica’s commercial team as it continues to scale its development and deliver activities globally. He will develop the company’s portfolio across off-highway industries, manage relationships and further extend its reach in international markets.

Jinks joins Oxbotica from AXA XL, where he served as head of portfolio solutions. Early to recognise the potential of autonomous software solutions, and the implications they carry for other industries, Jinks established AXA XL’s global autonomy programme and led its partnership with Oxbotica. This involved working to assess the risks associated with autonomy and providing solutions for clients to accelerate the adoption of autonomous vehicle technology.

The appointment is the latest in a number of moves Oxbotica has made to facilitate its rapid international growth. These include the completion of a £14 million funding round, a strategic partnership with Addison Lee to collaborate on the deployment of autonomous vehicle services, and the appointment of Fraser Robinson, former Uber head of business, to its board of directors.

Oxbotica’s software uses the latest in computer vision, machine learning and artificial intelligence to enable vehicles to operate autonomously in any environment and on any terrain. Its infrastructure-free, localisation software is already deployed in multiple industry-leading international customer projects in vehicles on roads in complex urban environments. In addition to working with Addison Lee, Oxbotica leads the government-backed DRIVEN consortium and already has a fleet of autonomous vehicles operational in London and Oxford.