Omnien
Apr 2022 – Present
Johannesburg, South Africa
Omnien is a state-of-the-art digital platform that enables effortless knowledge management, collaboration, and communication for businesses, communities, and individuals alike.
FOUNDER & MANAGING DIRECTOR
2022 – Present
Founded Omnien, a startup company focused on AI product development and providing consulting services. Built and maintained relationships with investors, clients, and other stakeholders, as well as stayed up-to-date on industry trends and advances in AI technology to ensure market competitiveness and innovation.
International Business Machines (IBM)
Apr 2021 – Mar 2022 · 7 years
Johannesburg, South Africa; Nairobi, Kenya; New York, USA
IBM Research is the largest industrial research organization in the world. For over 75 years, IBM Research has been propelling innovation for IBM, from the first programmable computers to the quantum computers of today. With more than 3,000 researchers across the globe at 19 locations, including Johannesburg in South Africa, IBM Research is anticipating, examining, and inventing what’s next in science and technology every single day. Many of IBMs researchers have won several prestigious prizes, notably five Nobel Prizes, six Turing Awards, ten National Medals of Technology, and five National Medals of Science.
PROGRAM DIRECTOR, Ecosystems & Communities
2021 – 2022
Directed work to systematically establish and catalyse communities to solve problems at scale, accelerate early-stage technology adoption, gain mindshare, and benefit from substantial R&D investments in artificial intelligence, quantum and cloud computing. Devised effective IT strategies for hybrid cloud infrastructure, software, and tools. Led program planning and development teams, synergised technical resources, and ensured systematic establishment of communities.
SENIOR MANAGER, AI Engineering, AI Science & Quantum Computing
2020 – 2022
Collaborated with senior executives to develop and execute localized strategy, aligning the local project portfolio with global strategy. Led the South Africa team and took on additional leadership responsibilities for the Kenya team. Delivered clear guidance, direction, and support to direct reports in applied AI, core AI, and quantum computing. Drove collaborative goal creation, monitored team performance and progress, and championed team innovation, eminence, and recognition. Articulated strategy, vision, values, and operating principles to senior executives and peers.
CO-LEAD: GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OUTLOOK
2020 – 2021
Identified and evaluated technology inflection points, growth areas, and business opportunities. Externalised the insights and learnings from the GTO as publicly accessible Science & Technology Outlook to extend the impact of the initiative beyond the organisation and demonstrate a commitment to knowledge-sharing and thought leadership in the field.
RESEARCH MANAGER & SCIENTIST, Advanced & Applied AI
2015 – 2021
Directed the Advanced & Applied AI as well as Data-Driven Healthcare teams, with approx. 15 direct and 25 indirect reports. Collaborated with Enterprise Development and Academic programs to deliver support and guidance to start-ups, small businesses, and bursars. Oversaw IT environment and identified opportunities for leveraging data science, AI, and software engineering to drive business results
University of the Western Cape (UWC)
Jan 2019 – Dec 2021 · 3 years
Cape Town, South Africa
UWC is a research-led, learning and teaching African university with a legacy of Social Justice, Community Engagement and Graduate Employability.
Adjunct Associate Professor, Blockchain
2019 – 2021
Honoured with an appointment in the Computer Science Department, facilitated the development of students’ skills in blockchain technologies and championed the implementation of cutting-edge blockchain technology platforms, notably Hyperledger. Additionally, influenced the development of a blockchain-based platform for electronic health records and advised faculty staff.
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Oct 2011 – Apr 2015 · 4 years
Pretoria, South Africa
The CSIR Mechatronics and Micro-Manufacturing competency area focused on the research and development of appropriate technologies to facilitate the advancement of manufacturers to higher operating domains. It includes the development of digital/micro manufacturing techniques; automation systems; and advanced robotics and intelligent autonomous systems.
SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER, Mechatronics & Micro-Manufacturing
2011 – 2015
As Lead Developer, successfully architected and deployed numerous projects, including the development of a country-wide near-real-time water quality monitoring system, an automated detection system for road surface distresses, 3D sonar imaging for harbour surveillance, and a mining safety robot. These projects significantly increased the impact of the organization in various sectors, such as transport, healthcare, mining, and security
Fifth Dimension Technologies (5DT)
Jul 2008 – June 2011 · 3 years
Pretoria, South Africa
5DT specialised in virtual reality (VR). Technologies used cover computer graphics and animation, software development, and hardware development.
COMPUTER ENGINEER – Virtual Reality Training Simulators
2008 – 2011
Created and delivered virtual reality training simulators for clients in the construction, mining, and military sectors, which were distributed worldwide. Ensured that the clients’ requirements were met while also generating significant revenue for the company. Additionally, provided leadership to a team that serviced over 20 products.
LUUK ICT
May 2006 – May 2007 · 1 years
Pretoria, South Africa
LUUK specialised in software development for mobile, web and office applications.
FULL STACK SOFTWARE DEVELOPER – Mobile & Web Applications
2006 – 2007
Accelerated the creation of fleet management, voice-over-IP, and geographic information system products, which significantly contributed to the company’s growth. Notably, coded Push2Talk walkie-talkie type voice chat software in C++ and a web-based fleet management system using Java.
University of Pretoria (UP)
Jan 2004 – Dec 2008 · 4 years
Pretoria, South Africa
UP is one of Africa’s top universities and the largest contact university in South Africa.
ASSISTANT LECTURER, RESEARCH ASSISTANT, TEACHING ASSISTANT, TUTOR
2004 – 2008
Served in various capacities in the departments of Computer Science, Physics, and Electronic, Electronic and Electrical Engineering. Taught the following undergraduate modules: Computer Networks, Design Patterns in C++, Design and Manufacturing, and Physics.