The Team

The team is highly experienced having worked on large projects for international companies in industries as diverse as transmission pipeline monitoring, upstream oil & gas surveillance, tracking and condition monitoring on highways and railways, conveyor belt supervision, telecom and power cable monitoring and perimeter and border security.

We are focused on delivering significant improvements in COST, PERFORMANCE and USABILITY and ensuring full interaction and interoperability with other sensors.

Senior Team

Combining world renowned, award winning expertise in fiber optic Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) spanning hardware, software, processing and data handling together with future technology implementation across multiple sectors our Senior Management Team can deliver transformational change and value to your infrastructure and business.

Dr David Hill Chief Technology Officer

Recognised internationally as a leading figure in the field of Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) who, since its launch, has led in the development of new applications of DAS across a wide range of diverse industries.

Previous to Sintela, David was a Senior Fellow at QinetiQ and founder and CTO of OptaSense.

David holds a PhD in the subject of fiber laser acoustic sensors and has 19 granted patents. In 2017-18 he held the position of Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Distinguished Lecturer and has been a finalist in the Royal Academy of Engineering MacRobert Award, granted ‘in recognition of a substantial contribution by way of innovation in engineering … for the invention of Distributed Acoustic Sensing’

Magnus McEwen-King Chief Executive Officer

Prior to co-founding Sintela Magnus was an Executive on the Operating Board of QinetiQ PLC the FTSE250 defence company and CEO of OptaSense where he supervised the rapid expansion of the group into 50 countries and completed over 100 projects.

The company grew to become the world’s leading fiber sensing company and was recognised with multiple industry awards. Prior to this he developed and sold several wireless connectivity companies which were backed by British Telecom, Intel, Virgin and Arthur D. Little amongst others.

He holds a Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Bath and a Post Graduate from Cambridge University in Manufacturing and Management. He holds a CDipAF from the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants and is an inventor on over 20 patents relating to fibre sensing and its applications.

Andrew Lewis Head of Product Development

With a strong track record of developing successful businesses based on leading-edge technology products Andrew led the start-up, Sensoptics, to develop the world’s first commercial Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) product – Cobalt®. Whilst at Sensoptics he established OptaSense as a value-added reseller before OptaSense acquired Sensoptics.

Andrew has continued to be at the forefront of the development the technology leading the development of six generations of DAS. He has 15 granted patents in the fields of electronic and optoelectronic systems and digital signal processing.

Jon Richards Head of Software and Systems Development

With over 25 years’ experience delivering, building and leading complex systems development programmes Jon is a hands on, highly driven, leader of our software development.

With a specialism in digital signal processing software, Jon has a reputation with customers for exceeding their expectation by leading software teams through complex programmes and delivering projects on time and to budget.

Jon has an MEng in Electronic and Computer Engineering.

James AshdownChief Operating Officer

James is Chief Operating Officer at Sintela, leading the company’s global operations and ensuring that delivery, logistics, and business processes support the rapid growth of our product range. He combines a strong technical background with extensive experience in commercial strategy and customer engagement.

Before joining Sintela, James held senior roles at OptaSense and BAE Systems, where he gained deep expertise in Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing (DFOS) and worked across product management, marketing, and operations. He has supported projects worldwide, from large-scale security and border protection programs to commercial monitoring applications, helping customers realise the value of DFOS technology in critical environments.

James holds a BSc (Hons) in Product Management & Technology from Loughborough University and has built his career at the intersection of technology, operations, and customer success. At Sintela, he plays a key role in aligning innovation with execution, ensuring that the company’s industry-leading DFOS products are delivered with reliability, efficiency, and impact.

Zara AndersonVice President Mining

Joining in 2024, Dr. Zara Anderson is driven by a deep passion for transforming the mining industry through innovation and the integration of advanced technologies. With a strong belief in the power of smart solutions to enable safer, more sustainable, and more efficient operations, she advocates for the deployment of Distributed Fibre Optic Sensing (DFOS) across the entire mining lifecycle – driving the company’s global reputation and expertise in the sector.

Her work is grounded in the conviction that mining, when empowered by innovation, can deliver greater value to society—supporting infrastructure, energy, and economic growth while minimising environmental impact.

Based in Canada, Zara engages closely with mining operators and leaders globally, spearheading initiatives that bridge advanced sensing technologies with real-world mining challenges, helping navigate the future of resource extraction with efficiency, integrity and respect for the Earth.

Cress ClantonGeneral Manager

Cress is a diverse and accomplished entrepreneur with a strong track record across multiple industries. With prior service in the U.S. Army and leadership roles in several companies, he has successfully delivered mission-critical performance for customers in the private sector, Department of Defense, and Department of Homeland Security.

Since joining Sintela in 2020, Cress has led the U.S. business as Executive Vice President and General Manager. He plays a key role in the company’s strategic vision and growth in the U.S. and internationally, building a high-performing team to support critical infrastructure programs, including the LGDS Border Monitoring initiative for U.S. Customs and Border Protection. His background in program management and defense operations is matched by a keen ability to build trusted relationships. Under his leadership, Sintela has enhanced its global reputation for cutting-edge fiber sensing solutions and exceptional customer service to government and industry partners.

Peter KightleyResearch and Development Director

Dr. Peter Kightley leads Research and Development at Sintela, driving the company’s mission to be a world leader in fiber sensing technology. With over 20 years of experience at QinetiQ and its predecessor, the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA), Peter is recognised as one of the UK’s foremost experts in coherent sensing and signal processing.

At QinetiQ, he ultimately led Optical Remote Sensing R&D, shaping technical strategy and developing innovative sensing solutions tailored to emerging customer needs. His work has consistently focused on delivering cutting-edge performance and value through disruptive sensing technologies.

Now at Sintela, Peter directs a team of exceptional physicists and engineers, executing a technology roadmap that pushes the boundaries of fiber sensing capabilities. He continues to hold the prestigious title of QinetiQ Fellow in recognition of his significant contributions to the field.

Tim GrayChief Financial Officer

Tim brings over 30 years of experience in senior commercial finance roles within founder-led manufacturing SMEs. Throughout his career, he has worked with industry-leading technology and service providers, primarily focused on export markets. At Sintela, Tim is responsible for corporate compliance, financial reporting, and financial control.

He began his career at PKF, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant after earning an Honours degree in Business Studies from Coventry University. Tim has since built a distinguished career in commerce, including establishing successful trading companies in North America and Eurasia and leading multiple due diligence processes for both acquisitions and divestments.

Tim’s broad international experience and deep financial expertise play a key role in supporting Sintela’s strategic growth and operational excellence.

Steve JacobsChief Hardware Engineer

Steve is a Hardware and Mechanical Engineer with over 15 years’ experience developing high-performance sensing and optical systems. As Chief Hardware Engineer at Sintela, he leads the design and development of advanced distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) hardware, with a focus on thermal management, manufacturability, and reliability in demanding environments. Previously at OptaSense, he managed multidisciplinary engineering projects and delivered mechanical designs for next-generation DAS platforms, including the development of the world’s first marinised DAS system.

He holds an MEng in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Bristol, where his research focused on deployable satellite antenna design in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA).