Chris Saunders
Appointed Executive Chairman of P2i in July 2021, Chris brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the group; having founded start up enterprises, managed corporate businesses, private equity ventures and served as President of a European Trade Association. Chris worked for Schlumberger from 1995 to 2001. Following a PE buy out of the Schlumberger Resource Management Services division, Chris went on to transform the newly formed Actaris Gas and Electricity Metering Global Divisions (€750M T/O) as Divisional MD, contributing to a €1.8B trade sale to Itron in 2007. From 2005-2009, Chris served as Vice President & President of BEAMA, a trade association representing electrical infrastructure products and systems providers in a sector worth over £13B. In 2008 Chris co-founded Navetas Energy Management Ltd, partnering with the University of Oxford to develop and commercialise artificial intelligence algorithms disaggregating domestic energy consumption, securing US investment in 2012 at an equity valuation of £33M. Navetas was re-orientated in 2015 towards renewable energy and achieved a successful exit to Low Carbon Ltd in 2017. In 2019 Chris was appointed Executive Chairman of i2O Ltd, providing intelligent water network and pressure management solutions to utility clients, achieving a successful exit to Mueller Water Products Inc in 2021.
Stephen invented the P2i technology while carrying out his Ph.D. at Durham University on ‘liquid repellent surfaces’. He was consequently employed by the UK’s Ministry of Defence within Dstl to set up a plasma capability and further scale-up the patented technology for industrial applications. In 2001, Stephen moved into project managing the UK Nuclear Biological and Chemical clothing program, but continued to exploit the plasma technology for a range of commercial applications. Stephen was the founding member of P2i when it was formed in January 2004 and has more than 20 years’ experience in advanced material sciences and plasma processing, focusing on the commercialisation of the technology as a proven, cost-effective industrial process. He is the Chief Science Officer, Founder and President of Information Security and a member of P2i’s main board.
Martin studied Automotive Technology and brings 25+ years of invaluable experience from the Automotive, Motorsport and Defence industries to P2i. Having previously lived and worked in the USA, Martin is now responsible for driving product development at P2i. With 14 years of his career spent as a Manager / Director of technology businesses, his experience demonstrates his ability to successfully help transition businesses of all sizes. Martin’s inspirational and proactive leadership style has enabled him to consistently build and develop high performing Technology Product Delivery and Engineering teams.
Ahilan joined P2i in 2016 to lead the group finance function, significantly expanding the role of the finance team to support the growing business. Working closely with the CEO, Ahilan has strengthened the group and helped raise capital through a series of external fundraises.
Before joining P2i, he held senior finance positions at IMImobile and SSE Plc, during his term at IMImobile he was part of the team responsible for the IPO in 2014. Ahilan has always focussed on international growth businesses and the specific opportunities and challenges that these present developing broad experiences in fund raising and business transformations along the way.
Ahilan holds a degree in Banking and Finance, a Master’s in Computing and is a qualified Chartered Accountant (FCA).