StreetDrone Team

TEAMS_

SENIOR MANAGEMENT_

Directors

Mike Potts

Streetdrone director and CEO, Mike Potts

Role at StreetDrone: Founder & CEO

A pioneering entrepreneur with a fifteen-year plus track record specialising in building successful businesses in digital marketing, data analytics and autonomous technologies. Having succeeded within organisations such as Expedia and Coca-Cola, Mike founded marketing technology consultancy DBi which sold to Havas Media Group in 2013. Mike was Chief Data Officer for Havas Media in the UK for 3 years, before co-founding StreetDrone in 2017 with his lifelong friend Mark Preston.

Previous Job Titles: Managing Director, Preston EV. Chief Data Officer, Havas Media Group. Founder and Managing Director, Grupo Elisa Interactive. Business Development Manager, Expedia. Territory Merchandiser, Coca-Cola

Companies: Expedia, Coca-Cola, DBi, Havas Media Group, StreetDrone

University/study: Oxford Brookes University, Economics and Marketing Management (BSc Hons)

Career highlights: Launching the affiliate marketing programme and growing direct partnerships at Expedia, founding the marketing technology systems consultancy DBi, directing LAE’s business development and business consulting teams, building opportunities in and around mobility solutions at Preston EV and #DeliveringAutonomy at StreetDrone, driven by his passionate belief that both businesses and society generally need access to the benefits of autonomous technology in as short a time frame as possible, and that this can only be achieved by first applying autonomous technology to slow-moving vehicles

Interesting hobbies: Cycling

Mark Preston

Co-founder and director, Mark Preston

Role at StreetDrone: Founder & CTO

Grew up on the rural farms of Australia learning about old cars, broken down trucks and complex machines. He first stepped into his motorsport career at Monash University and worked for General Motors Holden and Holden Special Vehicles before travelling to the UK to begin a career in Formula 1. Fast forward 25 plus years and Mark has quite the motor sporting CV, ranging from Arrows Grand Prix, to McLaren and TECHEETAH Formula E team.

Previous Job Titles: CEO, DS TECHEETAH Formula E Team, Technical Director Super Aguri Honda F1 Team

Companies: McLaren Racing, Arrows Grand Prix, Super Aguri Honda F1, DS TECHEETAH Formula E, General Motors Holden

University/study: Monash University (Mechanical Engineering), Oxford Said Business School (MBA)

Career highlights: Starting a Formula 1 team in 100 days (Super Aguri Honda F1), Winning 5 championships in Formula E with TECHEETAH

Interesting hobbies: Golf, motorsport, swimming

Ian Murphy

Technical director, Ian Murphy

Role at StreetDrone: Technical Director

Leads the software and hardware development teams. He has over 25 years of experience, including working as a Race Engineer, Control Systems Engineer and Head of Systems Engineering in Formula 1 (Arrows, Williams) and Formula E (Super Aguri, NextEV). Extensive Simulation, Control Systems and Functional Safety experience from working in the Automotive sector (Ford, Flybrid Systems, Rockfort).

Previous Job Titles: Race Engineer, Principal Engineer, Control Systems Engineer Chief Engineer, Head of Systems Engineering

Companies: Ford, Arrows, Williams, Flybrid Systems, Super Aguri, NextEV, Rockfort

University/study: M.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Southampton

Career highlights: Working in F1 during the ‘driver aids’ era of intense Control Systems development, helping develop the first Hybrid system to race at Le Mans, developing the Functional Safety and Control Software architecture for StreetDrone’s Drive-by-Wire vehicle technology.

Interesting hobbies: Mountain Biking & FPV Drone Flying

COMMERCIAL & MARKETING_

Commercial & Marketing Team

Michael Thomas

Head of commercial, Michael Thomas

Role at StreetDrone: Commercial Director

Leads our engineering consulting division. He is a Sales and Business Development specialist, with experience of creating and managing multi-tiered distribution channels both domestically and internationally. He has over 27 years of experience working as a sales director, managing director and VP for companies such as Polaroid, Street Surfing, Friday Labs, AudioQuest and SkyBell.

Previous Job Titles: Sales director, managing director and VP for companies such as Polaroid, Street Surfing, Friday Labs, AudioQuest and SkyBell.

Companies: Quarterdeck Corp/ IMSI/ Polaroid Corp/ StreetSurfing/ Friday Labs/ AudioQuest & Skybell Technologies

University/study: Aylesbury college of FE – HND Business & Finance

Career highlights: Introduced Polaroid CE products to EMEA marketplace and was responsible for $750m sales revenue during a 9 year period.

DATA & CONNECTED SERVICES_

Data & Connected Services Team

Fionán O’Sullivan

Picture of Fionán O'Sullivan

Role at StreetDrone: Data & Connected Services Engineer

Has extensive knowledge of software and systems design and development and worked as an Electrified Powertrain Controls Engineer and Lead Software Engineer for 9 years, working alongside leaders in the industry such as Jaguar Land Rover. 

Previous Job Titles: Electrified Powertrain Controls Engineer and Lead Software Engineer, Head of Technology

Companies: Jaguar Land Rover

University/study: Bachelors in Electronic Engineering and is working towards a MsC in Software Engineering.

Career highlights: Integration of Teleoperation into StreetDrone tech and deploying it on public roads. Controls development of the Jaguar I-Pace.

Interesting hobbies: Playing bass, long-distance running and occasionally the Mongol Rally

Andrei Golovkin

Role at StreetDrone: Software Engineer

Working as an software engineer in the Data & Connected Services Team, having joined in September 2021. He holds a Bachelor’s in Computing for Robotic System from Oxford Brookes University, where he was a defining member of the Autonomous Tech Society.

University/study: Bachelor’s in Computer Science

Career highlights: Successfully designed and implemented a full refactor of the core process of Arbitration with zero cost overruns and zero time delays. Led the integration of Teleoperation software into the teleoperation system with major improvements. Successfully organised and led numerous board meetings, exploring interdepartmental collaborative problem solves.

Interesting hobbies: Playing chess, reading, board game

Louis Appleton

Role at StreetDrone: Software Engineer

After completing a Bachelors in Robotic Engineering, he joined StreetDrone in October 2021. He has knowledge bases in System design, Mechatronics and Machine Learning.

Previous Job Titles: Robotics Mentor, Digital Technology Intern

Companies: FirstUK, Baker Hughes

University/study: Bachelors in Robotic Engineering from the University of the West of England with Honours

Career highlights: Mentored FirstUK team, successfully won a place at the final at the London Copper Box Arena but due to Covid, the final was eventually cancelled. Scout Leader. DofE Bronze – C.S. Platinum. Lead development of the SD frontend Glui system. Successfully implemented worldwide coverage for teleoperation on SD vehicles.

Interesting hobbies: Volunteering, Hiking, Games and when the weather is just right, Paddle Boarding. 

CONTROL SYSTEMS_

Control Systems

Technical Director, Ian Murphy

Chris Whimpenny

Role at StreetDrone: Control Systems Engineer

 

Interesting hobbies: Touch Rugby

Maksims Juhtanovs

Role at StreetDrone: Junior Control Systems Engineer

Familiar with systems design and StreetDrone vehicles production processes. Writes up technical documentation and looks after customer support. Previously worked on transitioning the internal combustion Formula Student race car to an all electric drivetrain one as a part of his degree.

University/study: Bachelors in Electrical & Electronic Engineering

Career highlights: StreetDrone e-NV200 Production Manual write-up. Remote vehicle modification, StreetDrone Drive-by-Wire assembly and integration. Assistance with integration of new computers, sensors and peripheral devices with existing StreetDrone systems.

Interesting hobbies: Long-distance running, Volleyball, Tennis, Badminton, Snowboarding.

DESIGN & PRODUCTION_

Design & Production Team

Technical Director, Ian Murphy

Adrian Ward

Role at StreetDrone: Principle R&D Technician

Adrian has worked in F1 and British superbike, in race teams, test teams and R&D. Adrian has developed systems such as the Benetton active suspension and has designed bicycle projects for Marin, Whyte, Nukeproof, and AWard Bikes. Adrian holds nine patents in bicycle and bicycle suspension and is a technical instructor in motorsport at Oxford Brookes University.

Previous Job Titles: Technical Instructor, R&D technician, electronics technician race and test team F1

Companies:  Oxford Brookes University, Benetton, Arrows and Williams F1, ATB sales, Harris Performance

Career highlights: Working in F1 and nearly winning Hungary with Arrows in 1997

Interesting hobbies: Building and competing in vintage car and Motorbike events

Fraser Coutts

Role at StreetDrone: Vehicle Technician

Joined StreetDrone in 2023 as part of the team producing StreetDrone’s autonomous vehicles. Moved from his home country of New Zealand to the UK in 2021, joining a UK based EV startup gaining experience in vehicle manufacturing equipment R&D and industrialisation. Prior to moving to the UK he worked for six years in the civil engineering and construction industry gaining experience in civil engineering design, construction project management, quality control, and materials manufacturing.

Previous Job Titles: Composite Commissioning Engineer – Factory Deployment – Arrival, Production Technician – Factory Deployment – Arrival, Production Technician – Research & Development – Arrival, Various Civil Engineering roles at Downer New Zealand.

Companies: Arrival and Downer New Zealand

University/study: Bachelor of Engineering Technology, Civil Engineering at Unitec

Career highlights: Working on a wharf construction project on a remote island (Chatham Island / Rēkohu / Wharekauri) off the East Coast of New Zealand’s South Island as a graduate engineer. 

Working in the Solomon Islands helping to build the civil engineering and project management capabilities of the Solomon Islands government department responsible for school construction projects and maintenance. 

Making the carrier change to the automotive industry, working in the R&D space on electric and autonomous vehicle development and production.

Interesting hobbies: Surfing, free diving (and pretty much anything in/on the sea or at the beach!), hiking, travelling, cooking, and playing Aussie rules football.

Anirudh Padamati

Role at StreetDrone: Design Engineer

Has 2 years of experience at Mahindra Truck and Buses. Holds an MSc in Aerospace Vehicle Design and is working towards building an autonomous future!

Previous Job Titles: Assistant Manager, Vehicle Integration Dept

Companies: Mahindra Truck and Buses, Pune

University/study: MSc in Aerospace Vehicle Design and BTech in Mechanical Engineering

Career highlights:

  • Received the Phil Stocking Memorial Prize for the best contribution to the Group Design Project (During MSc)
  • Spot Award for conducting research on ad-blue crystallisation and implementing a new design to reduce the build up inside the decomposition tube. (During Professional Tenure)
  • Awarded by the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh for the design of “Bike in a Box” at the “Open Innovation Forum” in the transport category conducted by University of California Berkeley. (During Bachelors).

Interesting hobbies: Travelling on my motorbike, trekking, playing sports like touch rugby and volleyball.

Christian Walker

Role at StreetDrone: Stockroom Manager/Procurement

Working at StreetDrone for 3 years, learning a lot about the automotive/autonomous industry. Behind the wheel for the majority of the safety driving on big projects such as 5G CAL. Building on previous stockroom experience and developing new skills from simple loom making to procurement for projects.

Previous Job Titles: City Manager, Stockroom Manager, Personal Trainer

Companies: Mobike, Zadig & Voltaire, Churches, Anytime

Interesting hobbies: Festivals, health & fitness, writing

Kevin Potts

Role at StreetDrone: Production Manager

Is leading the Mechanical Engineering team. Has over 20 years experience working as a mechanic, engineer and technician and has worked for the Amlin Aguri Formula E team

Previous Job Titles: Chief Mechanic, Head of Estimating, Machinist, Dyno tester, Motorcycle Technician 

Companies: Amlin-Aguri Formula E Team, Yamaha, French Car Co, Barclays Motorcycles, 3X Motorcycles, Bikers Legal Defence, RaceLab, A.S. Engineering, Moore Speed Racing

Career highlights: Chief Mechanic running a British Supersport bike for 3 seasons with 100% reliability record.  Building the future with Streetdrone.

Interesting hobbies: I love music and have played guitar for over 30 years, I also love the art of rock balancing and photography. Twice Silver medalist at The European Stone Stacking Championships.

SOFTWARE ROBOTICS_

Software Team

Dr Sander van Dijk

Head of Software, Sandar van Dijk

Role at StreetDrone: Head of Autonomous Systems

Leading the Software Engineering Team. Has extensive knowledge of AI and ML and worked as Head of Research at Parkopedia for 9 years. 

Previous Job Titles: Head of Research/Data Science

Companies: Parkopedia

University/study: MSc in Artificial Intelligence at University of Groningen; PhD in Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence at University of Hatfield, UK

Career highlights: 3x vice robot football world champion; deployed big data ML models to major OEMs (BMW, Audi, VW, Ford, etc); iOS app featured in App Store.

Interesting hobbies: Robot football, climbing/bouldering, electronics

Marcello Carfagno

Role at StreetDrone: Senior Robotics Engineer

Myron Rodrigues

Role at StreetDrone: Senior Robotics Engineer

University/study: Msc in Robotics, University of Bristol

Interesting hobbies: Playing music

Pascal McBride

Role at StreetDrone: Software Engineer

University/study: Msc in Artificial Intelligence, University of Bath, BEng in Automotive Engineering, Oxford Brookes University

Interesting hobbies: Racing Sims

Antoni Bengochea Segarra

Role at StreetDrone: Data Analyst

University/study: Msc Motorsports Engineering at Brookes University, Mechanical Engineering, Universitat Jaume I

Interesting hobbies: Motorsports, Racing Sims, 

PROJECT MANAGEMENT_

Programme, Project, & Safety Management Team

Ross James

Role at StreetDrone: Deputy CTO

Has over 10 years of experience in leading vehicle safety engineering, working for industry leaders such as Jaguar Land Rover. He holds a BsC in Design Engineering and is an IPMA Certified Project Management Associate.

Previous Job Titles: Vehicle safety PAT (Programme Attribute Team) leader – Range Rover, Vehicle safety delivery engineer – Range Rover Velar, Jaguar F-Type.

Companies: Jaguar Land Rover

University/study: BsC in Design Engineering

Career highlights: Leading the 5G Connected Automated Logistics project from initiation through to operating an autonomous and teleoperated 40-ton vehicle on Nissan’s live operational site.
Achieving EuroNCAP 5* performance with the Range Rover Velar

Interesting hobbies: Spending time in the mountains including working a ski season in Canada as part of a career break and trekking the Annapurna circuit in Nepal.

Abdullah Baig

Role at StreetDrone: Autonomous Safety Engineer

Has over 7 years of experience in vehicle and passenger safety engineering, working for industry leaders such as Jaguar Land Rover.

Previous Job Titles: Body Test Operations Engineer – Land Rover Defender, Lead Restraints Safety Engineer – EPace, and Child Safety Test Engineer/Researcher – (TRL).

Companies: Jaguar Land Rover, Transport Research Laboratory (TRL).

University/study: MSc in Mechanical Engineering and BEng in Mechanical Engineering.

Career highlights: Developed the safety case documentation for the 5G Connected Automated Logistics project which entailed operating an autonomous and teleoperated 40-ton vehicle on Nissan’s live operational site.
Achieving EuroNCAP 5* performance with the EPace.
Authored a Literature review in a Research publication; Automated Driving Systems: Understanding Future Collision Patterns

Interesting hobbies: GST Movement coach and also run the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu kids program in the local MMA gym. I’m also an avid traditional field archer and love spending time outdoors in the forests and hills with the family.

Sevnur Genc Denek

Role at StreetDrone: Project Manager

Has over 10 years of experience in product & process development and project management, industrialising robust project plans and methods for new component introduction in complicated automotive and aerospace engineering projects. She holds AS 9100 Rev d. Basic and Internal auditor Training and Product Safety & Conformity Representative (PSCR).

Previous Job Titles: Senior R&D Product Development Engineer, Material and Process Development Engineer, and Special Process Engineer.

Companies: Brisa Bridgestone Sabanci , Alp Aviation.

University/study: BsC in Chemical Engineering

Career highlights: Served as leader for a $374K initiative that improved market (tyre) sales by 30% (at Brisa Bridgestone Sabanci). Implemented a new coating unit with heavy metal waste water treatment system and two paint cabins with a total budget of €4.6M (at Alp Aviation).

Interesting hobbies: Travelling around the world and taking photos of the regions I`ve visited, especially the natural beauties, using up-to-date photography techniques.

FINANCE_

Finance Team

Thomas Shelbourn

Head of Finance, Tom Shelbourne

Role at StreetDrone: Head of Commercial & Finance

Leading the investment and financial strategy of StreetDrone. Has 8 years of experience across various finance and senior commercial roles. Co-founded Wilkinson Future venture capital fund, leading investments into 20+ start-up companies (including StreetDrone) over 3 years. Founder of FrontDoor Capital, a healthcare focussed property development company. Non-executive Director at Reeltime Apps and Tzuka Headphones.

Previous Job Titles: Finance Director, CIO, Investment Manager

Companies: W S Yeates Ltd, AHWL, Tanglewood Care Homes, Nomura

University/study: BSc in Economics & Finance from Duke University.

Career highlights: Investing in and supporting 20+ UK start-up companies. Managing the sale of Tanglewood Care Homes to Elevation Advisors.

Interesting hobbies: Restoring and racing classic cars

Dean Temple MAAT

Role at StreetDrone: Bookkeeper

Formerly a licensee for high end West End clubs and bars. Now an accountant with a specialism in R&D tax credits and tax management. Has an extensive knowledge of accountancy software and connecting systems. Collates and manages the accounts of five companies within the group including filing and reporting.
Read Theology at University and is a member of the AAT. Now working towards his ACCA.

Previous Job Titles: Unit Controller, Accounts Assistant and Head of Finance

Companies: Sophos, Adlens, Oxera Consulting, Morgan Cameron Chartered Accountants and Puma hotels 

University/study: Theology at University of Greenwich. Has a City and Guilds in Bookkeeping and an AAT Diploma.

Career highlights: Assisted with the setting up of many small businesses, helping clients with tax management and wealth planning.

Interesting hobbies: DJing, Boxing, collecting rare books and dabbles in local politics.

OPERATIONS_

Operations Team

Bindu Patel

Head of People & Operations, Bindu Patel

Role at StreetDrone: Head of People & Operations

Developing and supporting the culture of StreetDrone, with an amazing operations team. Delivering overall strategy for activities, policies & procedures in the following areas: recruitment; onboarding; employee wellbeing; employee benefits; employee development; mental health support; payroll; company socials; people logistics; and facilities. Also provide specific advice & support for commercial contracts, grant funded projects and investment.

Previous Job Titles: UK Director of Business Operations, Business Operations Manager; Managing Director, Transport Research & Economics Manager, Compliance Advice Manager – Firm & Culture; Senior Compliance Specialist.

Companies: Techeetah Formula E Team (SECA Sports Europe Limited); Team Aguri Formula E Team (SAFE Racing Ltd);The MobOx Foundation CIC, Oxfordshire County Council, Nationwide Building Society, Capital One Bank

University/study: LLB (Hons) from DeMonfort University, UK

Career highlights: Currently being part of the exceptional team who are growing  StreetDrone into a driving force within the autonomous vehicle (software & hardware) arena.  Previously establishing an operational team/framework for the Formula E team during the early seasons (1-3) which became the operational foundation of the championship winning DS Techeetah Formula E team.

Interesting hobbies: Travelling (especially in SE Asia) and mentoring women to help them grow personally and professionally.

Bhupen Patel

Role at StreetDrone: IT Manager

One of his prime focuses at StreetDrone is to provide the best tools, at the best value, for the amazing StreetDrone teams to continue making incredible products.
Has over 25 years experience in a variety of IT and management roles. 

Previous Job Titles: Software Engineer, IT Officer, IT Manager, Systems Implementer Team Lead, Project Manager, Network Engineer, Accountant, Audio/Visual engineer.

Companies: Shyft, University of Oxford, University of Loughborough, National Car Rental, Andersen Consulting, Channel 5, Inland Revenue (Tax returns). 

University/study: Bsc in Mathematics & Management at King’s College London

Career highlights: Implementing a system, which would normally take months to arrange, in 4 days, which meant a multi-million pound contract was renewed.
Making at least one lifelong friend at every company he’s worked at.

Interesting hobbies: Travelling around the world to avoid the cold, football, poker, reading, socialising and BINGO!!