XOCEAN appoints chief technology officer

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XOCEAN has appointed a new chief technology officer in the latest expansion of its leadership team.

Shepard (Shep) Smith’s background is in hydrographic survey and new technology implementation, having served 28 years as a commissioned officer with NOAA, rising to the rank of Rear Admiral.

Shep Smith XOCEAN

Shep Smith, XOCEAN’s new CTO Photo: XOCEAN

Chief executive James Ives welcomed Smith to the XOCEAN team. “Throughout Shep’s career, he has continually pushed the boundaries of ocean technology, and we’re really excited to have him leading the next phase of our technical journey,” he said.

“Above all, we share the same vision of transforming ocean data through technology with the purpose of supporting the sustainable growth of the ocean economy.”

Smith will be responsible for developing XOCEAN’s technology roadmap, advancing the boundaries of uncrewed surface vessel technology and driving the technical vision for the business.

In 2019, XOCEAN bought hydrographic survey firm 4D Ocean to expand its subsea services.

XOCEAN uses its in-house marine robotic technology to collect ocean data sustainably across a range of industries, including offshore wind. The company is headquartered in Ireland, with offices in the UK, Canada, Norway and most recently the US.