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.
ALEX VAN DIJK
Marketing Officer
Alex has recently graduated from Leeds Beckett University where he completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management and Marketing and has now taken over the role as Marketing Officer for Smytec. During his time at university he excelled in Contemporary Brand Management which drove his passion for marketing. In his spare time Alex enjoys playing and watching sport, in particular football and running.
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.
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.