We Build Autonomous Systems for Maritime Intelligence

Richard Jenkins developed Saildrone’s core technology during a 10-year effort to break the land speed record for wind-powered vehicles, which he achieved in 2009, in Nevada, USA, with a speed of 126.2 mph. With that breakthrough in wing technology, Richard transitioned to the maritime domain, pioneering uncrewed systems that deliver persistent, wide-area intelligence with unmatched endurance. Under Richard’s leadership, Saildrone has demonstrated operational success across the world’s oceans, expanding the role of autonomous systems in defense to reduce cost and risk while giving commanders the edge to outpace adversaries. He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Imperial College, London.

A former US Navy Vice Admiral and C-Suite technology entrepreneur, John brings to Saildrone more than three decades of experience at the intersection of national security, emerging technology, team development, and enterprise growth. A frequent speaker, published author, early-stage start-up investor, and advisory board member, he has led large, global enterprises and managed multi-billion-dollar budgets. With a BS in Systems Engineering from the United States Naval Academy, an MS in Operations Research from the Naval Postgraduate School, and an MBA from Babson College, he is an advocate for military and veteran causes and speaks and writes regularly on national security topics and post-military service hiring practices.

Tom brings extensive government experience to Saildrone, having spent more than 16 years at the White House, Department of Defense, and on Capitol Hill in various senior roles. Among other positions, he has served as program associate director at the White House Office of Management and Budget, acting assistant secretary of defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Counternarcotics and Global Threats, and as chief counsel for the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs. Tom is a licensed attorney with a BA from Thomas Aquinas College and a JD from Ave Maria School of Law.

Jen brings to Saildrone deep experience in strategic finance and global operations. Most recently, she served as CFO at Element Energy, where she led financial planning, scaled funding initiatives, and supported deployment of innovative Adaptive Battery Management technology. Previously, she held senior executive positions at Analog Devices (NASDAQ: ADI) and Maxim Integrated. At Saildrone, she will oversee financial strategy to support expansion of autonomous marine systems and bolster the company’s mission to deliver actionable ocean intelligence at scale. Jen earned a BS in Finance at Santa Clara University.

Robert is an international sales leader with deep experience managing teams across Europe and Asia. With a background in naval engineering, his career has focused on integrating defense and maritime hardware and software solutions. Based in Copenhagen, Denmark, Robert will grow Saildrone operations throughout Europe. He previously served as vice president of sales at Weibel Scientific, where he was instrumental in establishing a new business division focused on radars for detecting unmanned aerial systems, fixed-wing aircraft, fighter jets, and missiles. He began his career in the Royal Danish Navy, maintaining navigation and command-and-control systems on Danish ships, and studied electrical engineering at the Engineering College of Copenhagen.