Ari Jonsson

Extensive and diverse leadership and management experience in USA and Iceland:

• Leadership and board positions for high-tech companies
• President of a technology and business university
• Member of national science and technology policy council
• Lead on large and critical technology development projects

 

Education and experience in technology, development, innovation, and management:

• Doctoral degree in Artificial Intelligence from Stanford University
• Advanced Management Program degree from IESE Business School
• Startup management and support
• Critical software development and deployment

 

Wide-ranging experience in communications:

• Public speaking on a multitude of issues
• Media interviews and appearances
• Public policy development and influence
• Events with heads of state, ministers, ambassadors, and more

 

Technology and business education

• Advanced Management Program from IESE University, 2012
• Ph.D. in Computer Science from Stanford University, 1997
• B.Sc. in Computer Science from University of Iceland, 1991
• B.Sc. in Mathematics from University of Iceland, 1990

CEO of AwareGO (2021-2023)
This company has developed cloud-based solutions to greatly reduce the risk of human error leading to cybersecurity break-ins, using scenario-based interactive assessments to measure and teach, along with high-quality training videos, all based on behavioral sciences. The primary focus has been on restructuring, developing a strategy, addressing financial issues, and building partnerships internationally.

President of Reykjavik University (2010-2021)
Academic, financial, strategic, and operational responsibility for a university of nearly 4000 students, focused on technology and society.  The university leads education and research in Iceland in its focus areas, with emphasis on quality, strong industry ties, international collaboration, innovation, and inter-disciplinary work.  During this time, the university moved from extensive budget deficit to balanced operations, while also becoming the highest ranked university in Iceland according to Times-Higher Education, being one of the 350 best universities in the world.

Dean of School of Computer Science (2007-2009)
Academic, operational, and financial responsibility for education, research, and industry ties in the fields of computer science, software engineering and mathematics at Reykjavik University.

Project lead for ISS Solar Array Control Tool (2006-2007)
Project lead for Solar Array Constraint Engine (SACE) – a tool developed to assist International Space Station power system controllers with managing the complexity of Solar Array operations.

Manager of NASA spacecraft autonomy technology project (2005-2007)
The project, titled “Spacecraft Autonomy for Vehicles and Habitats”, funded at 10M USD per year, involved 4 different NASA centers and 2 subcontractors. Responsibilities included the definition of the project plans and objectives for each center and subcontractor, technical oversight of projects, coordination, decision-making and advocacy within and outside NASA.

Group Lead at NASA Ames Research Center (2005-2007)
Led the Control Agent Architecture Group within the Autonomous Systems and Robotics Area of the Intelligent Systems Division at NASA Ames Research Center.  Handled finances, personnel, organization, and work oversight for a group of 13 researchers and developers.

Project Lead for NASA technology development projects (1998-2006)
Led multiple projects focused on developing and applying artificial intelligence for spacecraft operations, robotics, air traffic control and more. Size of projects ranged from 500K USD to 13.5M USD.

Development Lead for MAPGEN (2001-2004)
MAPGEN is an interactive plan-building tool used in the Mars Exploration Rover mission to enable scientists and engineers to maximize the utilization of each rover. Responsibilities included identifying requirements, designing software, developing new algorithms, and leading the implementation of the system, as well as participating in testing, delivery, and support of the software.

Board member of NATO Innovation Fund (2023-now)
Manages a €1Bn multi-sovereign venture capital fund that is investing in high-impact deep technology to help secure the future of Alliance citizens and preserve the technological edge of NATO.

Chairman of the board for Videntifier Technologies (2008-now)
The company provides automated video identification solutions for law enforcement, copyright holders and search services.  Have been chairman from the founding of the company, but also worked in business development, funding, and outreach. Among other things, led negotiations with Facebook for a 10,5 million USD deal in 2018.

Board member for Origo (2022-now)
Origo is one of the largest technology services providers in Iceland. Served on the company board of directors while the company completed the sale of its share in a spinoff and was subsequently bought and delisted from the national stock exchange. Subsequently moved to serve on the board of directors for two subsidiaries in health service and cybersecurity.

Member of investment board for Iceland Venture Studio (2018-now)
Provides a founder-focused early-stage investment and mentoring support for startups that use decentralized customer-focused solutions.

Board member of American Icelandic Chamber of Commerce (2019-now)
Focuses on strengthening business, cultural, educational, and political relations between Iceland and the USA. Serves as a network for companies, institutions, and individuals, as well as a venue for official communications.

Member of Icelandic Science and Technology Council (2009-2019)
The council, which consists of ministers, scientists, and business representatives, operated under the direction of the Prime Minister to develop and promote the public policy on scientific research and technology development.

Champion for Team Iceland in MIT REAP (2016-2018)
Led the Icelandic team in the MIT Regional Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program (REAP), with the goal of improving innovation-driven entrepreneurship in Iceland. Other team members represented government, university, corporations, entrepreneurs, and investors. The work led to three proposals, all of which were implemented by the Icelandic government.

Board member at Kara Connect (2016-2022)
The company offers a secure online therapy platform for professionals in health, welfare, and education, which also serves as a digital workspace for running their practices.

Board member at Icelandic Startups (2009-2022)
This is the primary hub for promoting and supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in Iceland through events, competitions, education, networking, and support.  I previously served as board member for both Klak and Innovit, the merger of which created Icelandic Startups.

Software Design and Flight Readiness Review Board for EO-1
The Autonomy Software Experiment tested fully autonomous operations on board the Low Earth Orbit spacecraft EO-1. Served as a member of the Software Design Review Board and subsequently on the Flight Readiness Review Board prior to successful operations starting in 2004.