MEET MANAGEMENT TEAM
Shantha Ruban
Entrepreneur with over 30 years' experience in Software research and development, the last 10 years of which has been spent in developing ground breaking software solutions for the "Sports & Leisure" and "Telecommunication" industries. Inventor and co-owner of a European patent for 'Product Catalog Production' software system, which attracted a multimillion pound investment from Intel Corporation and 3I Venture Capital in 1999/2000.
Richard Phillips
Over 30 years experience in the sport and leisure sector and investor in high performance technology. Highly regarded as a proven business leader and strategic thinker. Responsible for restructuring, diversifying and de-risking the world famous Silverstone Racing Circuit and co-negotiator of the longest Grand Prix contract with Formula One Management to date. Responsible for the Silverstone Master Plan and upgrading Silverstones Grand Prix Circuit making it amongst the fastest, most challenging and yet safest in the world for both bike and car racing. Former Chairman of a High Performance Technology group of six Local Enterprise Partnerships based in the Midlands, working with government and focussing on developing cutting edge technology businesses in Motorsport Valley. Co-founder of the Silverstone UTC specialising in the vocational education of 14 to 19 year olds with a focus on High Performance Technology and Event Management. Advisor and investor in a software company offering modular solutions for multiple venue caterers, local government, venues and events. High-level management experience in the delivery of UK, European and World sporting events.
Jon Gustafsson
OPTIMO Chief Technical Officer. Has been with OPTIMO for the last 15 years and has overseen the implementation of numerous projects including FIFA World Cup. London Olympics and Meydan. Qualified with MSc in Computer Science and worked for large corporates including Cap Gemini as a consultant and has extensive experience in delivering Hospitality, Leisure and Events technology solutions.
Nadith Kudagama
Having over 20 years of proven experience in Information Technology & Business Management, Nadith is responsible for internal operations and core delivery framework, and is the COO of Programus. Nadith is involved in leading innovative Software Product Development, Client Management and has overseen the successful implementation of numerous projects in the Telecommunications, Event & Venue Management and Hospitality sectors. Nadith has extensive experience in General Management related to Research & Development Centres from setting up, optimisation and ensuring operational security to delivery, as well as expertise in Research Development Methodologies including Agile. Graduated from University of Colombo, Nadith also holds an MBA from the University of Leicester and has worked for large Corporates including John Keells and JBA International.
Alex Alexander
Having over 10 years of working experience with large organisations such as Virgin Group and Nomura and Over 6 years of experience in delivering council specific solutions in Australia for OPTIMO. Alexander-Director of Solutions & Marketing had managed project deliveries for clients and all booking architectures in terms of User journey mapping. He is one of the leading council specific analysts in the industry with a proven experience by putting together council specific forums in Melbourne to ensure OPTIMO progresses with the course and also committed in ensuring a fully integrated solution.
Ganesh Uthara
Head of Technical Services and Key member of the implementation team with 15 years experience in providing technical services for numerous projects in the Telecommunications, Event & Venue Management sectors. Ganesh has 20+ years’ experience in delivering Information Technology focused business solutions across multiple sectors including Media, Telecoms and Sport & Leisure. Associate Member of Institute of Data Processing Management and also holds an MBA.
Malcolm Pendlebury
Overall, having 40 years of international technical and sales management leadership experience with the past twenty-plus years, focused on growing and developing exciting ventures within the events industry throughout the Asian and Australasian regions. A committed self-starter with a flexible approach, strong customer, needs focus, a passion for the arts, and a love of culture and heritage has contributed to successfully seeding event and venue management companies into these markets.