Seeing Machines Ltd (AIM:SEE, OTC:SEEMF) has promoted one of its long-standing engineers to the top technology job as the company pushes to keep pace with fast-moving safety rules in the transport sector.
John Noble, who has spent two decades at the computer vision firm, has taken on the newly created role of chief technology officer with immediate effect.
The company said he would be responsible for steering its product development and technology strategy at a time when more vehicle manufacturers and transport operators in Europe are being required to install driver monitoring systems.
Noble has worked across multiple parts of the business since joining and currently chairs the company’s intellectual property committee. He has also spent years working directly with customers, which Seeing Machines said gave him “unique insights” into the commercial side of the business.
His appointment comes as the company reshuffles its management team in response to growing demand for its monitoring systems, which use artificial intelligence to help improve safety in vehicles and aircraft.
As part of the changes, Mike Lenné has been named the company’s first chief safety officer. He will lead Seeing Machines’ partnerships with regulators, customers and research organisations.
A specialist in human factors and safety, Lenné has spent nearly 30 years working in the field and was already a senior figure within the company.
CEO Paul McGlone said: "John brings a deep technical expertise to his new role which aligns perfectly with our goal to shape the future of transport and get more people home safely. Having worked for decades in the field of engineering management, he is uniquely well-equipped to improve the way we design, develop and deliver our technology.
"Alongside Mike's appointment as chief safety officer, our business has the leadership in place to focus on successful delivery and on our core mission of improving global safety outcomes."
Seeing Machines, which is listed on London’s AIM market, designs monitoring systems powered by artificial intelligence that track whether drivers or pilots are distracted or drowsy.
Its technology is used by manufacturers to meet new safety standards being introduced in Europe and other markets.
In all, it has 18 automotive programmes with 11 manufacturers, totalling an expected initial lifetime revenue of $392 million, with the majority expected to be recognised by 2028.
Seeing Machines has 2.88 million cars in production across eight programmes with major brands like General Motors, Ford, Mercedes Benz, and BMW.