The CEO of a radiation tech firm which helps to identify weapons of mass destruction is to retire after 17 years with the company.
Heddwyn Davies has built Southampton-based Symetrica into a global leader in the detection and identification of radioactive threats.
The firm utilises machine learning to provide ‘world-leading performance’ and low through-life costs to the military and homeland security markets.
“Heddwyn has done a tremendous job of building this company from a small UK University startup into a recognised world leader in radiation detection systems, products and technology,” said Chairman David Price.
“In his 17 years at Symetrica, he led the commercial, technical and organizational development, both in the UK and the USA, to create a broad portfolio of best-in-class fixed, mobile and handheld monitoring equipment and established these products and associated software systems within the global homeland security market.
“Over the last few years, the company has achieved many notable successes: securing key contracts for the provision of hand-held devices to a wide range of US and European government customers, including our most recent award of a $35 million contract to supply the Verifinder hand-held sensors to the US Department of Defense.”
Davies is succeeded by Eric Zanin, who will become the Group Chief Executive Officer immediately and will principally be located at the firm’s US facility in Westford, Massachusetts.
Zanin has held global executive positions in business development and general management with Analogic Corporation and Leidos Corporation’s Security Detection and Automation operation.
He has extensive experience in leading security technology innovation – most notably the introduction of computed tomography at aviation security checkpoints.
Zanin added: “I am honoured to become Symetrica’s new CEO. The company has exceptional technology and scientific leadership in radiation detection.
“I look forward to leading two strong teams in Southampton and Westford, MA in extending the product portfolio to new applications in the global security market.
“I offer my sincere thanks to Heddwyn for positioning Symetrica for success.”