Simon is a Chartered Engineer with over a decade of experience leading Systems Engineering teams in product development and system integration.

He is currently moving into AI Safety, focusing on applying Systems Engineering methodology to the Technical Governance of Artificial Intelligence.

He led the Engineering team at London-based Hydrogen Fuel Cell developer and integrator Arcola Energy from its inception in 2010 through to its 2021 acquisition by Ballard Power Systems and for 2 further years with Ballard, developing H2 fuel cell powertrains for heavy-duty vehicles, reporting to the Canadian parent company.

His fuel cell experience spans the whole gamut of applications up to megawatt scale and across portable, stationary, automotive, aerospace and off-highway applications. He has led design and build teams working on fuel cell stacks, fuel cell modules, compressed hydrogen storage, chemical hydrogen production, in-situ natural gas reforming, hydrogen compression & refuelling, high power batteries (cell to full system), high voltage power distribution, thermal management, electric drives, hybrid vehicle control systems and whole vehicle integration including development and demonstration of the first UK hydrogen-powered train developed for Scottish Government.

Whilst at Arcola Energy, he spent 3 years as a visiting researcher at Imperial College London, working on the development of a vanadium/hydrogen flow battery and control strategies to optimise performance of PEM fuel cells.

Simon built the Arcola/Ballard UK engineering capability from scratch to a highly collaborative values-driven team of 65 spanning multiple disciplines, employing a Systems Engineering approach based around ISO15288 (System Life Cycle Processes). He has operational experience running businesses, implementing new processes and managing change during rapid growth/transition. He developed, delivered and reported on multi-million pound projects for commercial customers as well as Innovate UK/other funding bodies.

Simon co-founded the light performance company Feeding the Fish, developing and patenting the LED technology on which their shows are based. He toured worldwide including performing at large-scale events such as the Olympics closing ceremony, and creating bespoke equipment for arena shows including Universal Studios’ Fast and Furious Live, before stepping back from the role to focus on engineering.

He studied at University College London, where he was awarded a First Class degree in Linguistics and Cognitive Science.