Meet the Smytec Team - Forensic Technology Experts

Meet the team

DR. ALEXANDER SMYTH

CEO

Alex is a multi-disciplinary physicist with two master’s degrees, one in Atmospheric Physics and another in Oceanography. Alex completed his PhD at the University of Leicester, UK, during which he transferred over to forensic science research, investigating the potential for adopting atmospheric physics and space research applications to under-evaluated areas of forensic science, with a key focus on the recovery of fingermarks from post-blast IED incidents, such as terrorist attacks.

Over the past decade, Alex has built up an extensive list of international contacts in the police, forensic and defense sectors, ranging from government agencies to local police forces around the world. He has presented at many prestigious conferences and meetings, including delivering two Keynote Presentations. Alex created Smytec to provide a range of technologies for non-contact-non-destructive evidence retrieval, including our ground-breaking technology: BlindSite.

He also provides networking, consultancy and training to leading forensic practitioners, international law enforcement agencies, defense agencies, and academic & research institutes. Alex is an avid football & rugby fan and enjoys playing tennis & running in his spare time.

Robert Thompson

CTO

Rob has spent 10 years project managing state-of-the-art engineering and product development in the automotive industry. From early stage strategy development through to launch into production, he has significant technical experience spanning multiple engineering disciplines.

Prior to joining Smytec, Rob worked at Jaguar Land Rover where he delivered projects including the chassis systems for Range Rover and the semi-autonomous driver assistance system for the new Land Rover Defender. As CTO Rob is the engineering lead at Smytec, responsible for the overall technical management and delivery of the company’s projects with a customer focused approach. Rob has a First Class Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Southampton and is APMP qualified in Project Management.

He is a keen squash player and loves to get out on the golf course if the sun is shining.

PAUL GARMAN

DIRECTOR, COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS

Paul has over 25 years business development and sales management experience working at the highest levels within major corporates. His first experience in forensics was in 2005 while working on the national fingerprint database, and in more recent times he has been supporting the market exploitation of disruptive forensics research across the field, from initial university research through to commercial sales. This brought him into contact with the exciting innovations at Smytec where he is now working as Chairman and Commercial Director.

Aside his experience in forensics, Paul has been working on the government ‘Innovation to Commercialisation of University Research’ programme for 5 years and in this capacity brings a wealth of small business knowledge to Smytec. He also has extensive contacts in the defense industry and other industry sectors.

DR. STEPHEN GALLAGHER

DIRECTOR, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Steve is a strong business development professional with expertise in Informatics, Enterprise Software, Databases, and sciences. He obtained a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Warwick. Steve started his own business, Dotmatics, in 2005, which was recently acquired by Insightful Science.

Steve brings a vast array of knowledge and skills in business development to ensure that Smytec continue to offer cutting edge, state-of-the-art technology to our international customers.

CRAIG IRELAND

DIRECTOR, RISK & OPERATIONS

Craig has extensive experience in Risk, Operations and Management. Having spent 20 years in the Middle East at ADIA, working on key projects for various international companies as Head of Risk & Operations, he moved back to the UK in 2020. Craig brings this wealth of Risk & Operations knowledge to Smytec, to ensure that as a company we offer the optimal solutions to our customers, with strong confidence and quality.

CHARLES RAYET

EXPORT & INTERNATIONAL TRADE MANAGER

Charles is the holder of a Masters degree in international business law. Thanks to his background, he is bringing a wealth of experience across diverse industries, including telecommunications, insurance, and international freight.

As a French individual, his passion for traveling has led him to live in Australia, and the UK, where he has developed a deep appreciation for foreign cultures, in alignment with his career choice to work in an international environment. Fluent in English, French, and Spanish, he is constantly seeking to learn and grow. Charles thrives in challenging situations and is driven by ambition. As the Export and International Trade Manager at Smytec, he is dedicated to providing the best possible experience for those he collaborates with.

NATALIA GUTIERREZ

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

Natalia holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Finance from Colombia. She brings over five years of experience in Strategy and Planning within the steel industry, working across several South American countries. Her work has focused on helping companies define and execute long-term strategies that drive growth.

In 2024, Natalia relocated to the UK to pursue her MBA at Warwick Business School.

As a Colombian national, Natalia offers a unique perspective and opportunity to expand Smytec’s presence in Spanish-speaking markets, including South and Central America, the Caribbean and Spain. Her key goals at Smytec include developing a strong customer-centric approach, enhancing brand awareness, and executing consistent marketing initiatives that position Smytec as a cutting-edge technology leader in its field.

Outside of work, Natalia enjoys trail running, hiking in nature, playing football, and cooking.

KIRSTY VOLPE

PA TO THE CEO

Kirsty is a highly experienced administrative professional with over 30 years of expertise across a wide range of industries including tourism, banking, IT, accountancy and higher education. She has worked in the USA, the Middle East, and the UK for several multinational companies, gaining a broad cultural perspective and a deep understanding of global business practices.

In addition to her corporate roles, Kirsty successfully established and ran two small businesses, a style and colour consultancy in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and a dog grooming salon in the UK.

In 2025, Kirsty joined Smytec Ltd as PA to the CEO and Administrative Assistant to the team. Her diverse background and international experience make her a valuable asset in maintaining the smooth operation of the company’s administrative functions.

HANNAH VAN DIJK

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Hannah completed a BA in Events Management from Manchester Metropolitan University in 2013. After graduating, she began working for UKFast, a Manchester-based internet hosting company, as an Events Organiser. In 2017, Hannah left Manchester to join her family’s restaurant business, The Good Earth, based in Leicester, as Events and Catering Manager. In 2021 she joined Smytec as an Admin Assistant. The skills she has accrued in her events career to date, particularly relating to planning and logistics know-how, have been essential in ensuring a streamlined and efficient approach to Smytec’s administrative needs.

Request a call back

Smytec offers a range of consultancy and Bureau style opportunities for police, forensic practitioners, defence agencies and academic institutes.

If you have any questions or require further information, please call +44 (0)7868 202 257 or email to info@smytec-ltd.com, we will contact you shortly after receiving your request.