CFMS appoints new Chief Strategy Officer

With over 20 years’ experience in technical engineering across the space, aerospace and robotics industries, Dr Woods joins the CFMS board with an impressive array of industry-leading accolades including the first-of-a-kind 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.

The newly created role will see Mark work closely with Chief Executive Officer Sam Paice and the organisation’s senior leadership team to develop a strategy to support the next stage of growth for the company. Mark will also lead on the development of a brand new robotics and AI offering and, at a time when engineering has an integral role to play in the successful rollout of more efficient technologies, he will also help to drive forward the organisation’s existing digital engineering and data science capabilities to support the UK’s net zero agenda.

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.”

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 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.”

Professor Iain Gray, Chairman at CFMS, added: “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.”

Mark joins CFMS from computer software and services company CGI (formerly SCISYS), 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. Through its four core service lines – Data Science, Advanced Simulation, Model Based Engineering, and Engineering Computing Services – CFMS enables high value manufacturers across aerospace, automotive, transport, energy and construction sectors to accelerate design and manufacturing productivity and competitiveness for their products, processes and services.

Notes to editors

For media enquiries, please contact Grayling on CFMS@grayling.com or 0117 910 6360.