Rovtech has announced the appointment of Ryan Lumsden as general manager, in a move that signals a new chapter of international growth for the harsh environment robotics specialist.
With over 25 years’ experience across many of the world’s leading ROV manufacturers – including Saab Seaeye, Kongsberg, Schilling Robotics and Forum – Lumsden is one of the most respected figures in the global underwater technology sector.
He will take on responsibility for client relations and business development across Rovtech’s offshore and nuclear operations, helping to accelerate the company’s international expansion.
His decision to join Rovtech is a major endorsement of the firm’s future direction – and, in particular, the digital capabilities of its next-generation VALOR platform.
Ryan Lumsden
John Polson, chief executive officer, Rovtech, said: “Ryan’s appointment is a real statement of intent for us. He brings a deep understanding of the subsea sector, a huge global network and unmatched technical insight – but most importantly, he believes in the platform we’re building.
“His arrival marks the start of a new phase of growth for Rovtech, and we’re delighted to have him on board.”
Ryan Lumsden added: “Rovtech’s VALOR system is uniquely suited to the future digital subsea environment, enabling the use of latest generation sensors, advanced perception systems and increasing levels of autonomy.
“We are now in the digital era of ROVs – VALOR defies and redefines the traditional ROV classification. It reduces cost and risk while enabling future digital technologies that are constrained by legacy ROVs. I’m excited to help take this technology to new markets and new clients globally.”
John Polson and Ryan Lumsden
Both Rovtech and the VALOR platform were recently acquired by Ventex, a climate tech venture studio focused on repurposing proven supply chain capability for renewable energy markets.
The studio is also investing in early-stage companies with technologies that have significant potential to help solve the climate crisis.
The acquisition of Rovtech, and the Seatronics VALOR ROV, follows Ventex investments in Aberdeen-based High Performance Robotics (HPR) and decommissioning-focused artificial intelligence firm rahd.AI, headquartered in Perth, Australia.