Quantum cybersecurity startup KETS Quantum Security has named Stuart Woods as executive chair to help scale its product offering.
Woods has also been brought into the Bristol-based firm to drive adoption of its quantum key distribution (QKD) technology.
He brings more than 30 years’ experience leading technology firms ranging from startups to PLCs.
He is currently CSO and head of innovation and partnerships at the Niels Bohr Institute’s NQCP in Copenhagen and previously served as managing director at Oxford Instruments NanoScience, where he expanded quantum and cryogenic solutions worldwide.
At KETS, Woods will spearhead the company’s efforts to commercialise its QKD chips for communications integrators, with applications in defence and critical infrastructure.
He will also play a key role in supporting the company’s upcoming Series A fundraise.
The appointment was made in June and comes amid a period of strong growth for the business, which has increased headcount by more than a third and reported revenue up more than 70% year-on-year.
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“Stuart’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for KETS, signaling a new era of growth and innovation,” said Chris Erven, CEO and co-founder at KETS Quantum Security.
“He has a proven track record of successfully scaling and positioning complex technologies from concept to widespread adoption. And coupled with his unparalleled expertise in building and nurturing world-class teams, makes him the ideal individual to guide us into our next chapter.
“As KETS intensifies its focus on embedding cutting-edge quantum-safe chips at scale across various industries, Stuart’s strategic vision, deep sector expertise, and robust leadership will be invaluable in driving our mission forward and solidifying our position as a leader in quantum technology.”
Woods added: “I am a true believer in the impact of quantum computing and quantum networking. It is changing the world as we know it.
“While existing encryptions will be broken, KETS has developed the solution in a truly world-leading approach with real scalability. It is only by considering cost and a balanced approach to trusted nodes can we enable QKD.
“The team at KETS is what attracted me to the business. Success comes from finding the right people and I felt a real connection with the group. Quantonation’s continued support of QKD investments continues to be an important benchmark.
“Embedding quantum security at the hardware level across national and global transport layers ensures resilience isn’t an afterthought, but a foundational principle, but cost and components must be considered equal to the network design.”
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