Autonomous systems manufacturer SYOS Aerospace has strengthened its management team with two senior appointments as the company expands its international defence operations and manufacturing capabilities.
Announced on 1 October 2026, the UK and New Zealand-based business has appointed Jamie ‘JB’ Bennett as Chief Commercial Officer and Olly Todd as Chief of Programmes and Operations.
The appointments follow the company’s first institutional investment round in September, which is intended to support additional research and development, increased production capacity and international expansion.
SYOS develops autonomous platforms for military and civilian applications across air, land, surface and underwater environments.
Military experience strengthens leadership
Bennett joins SYOS following a 23-year career in the Royal Air Force, bringing experience in military operations, defence policy and commercial strategy.
His background includes working with UK and US defence think tanks, contributing to defence reform discussions and supporting commercial planning and delivery.
As Chief Commercial Officer, Bennett will oversee the company’s commercial strategy and international market development, focusing on the delivery of integrated autonomous capabilities to defence and civilian customers.
Todd brings 28 years of experience in the Royal Marines and wider UK defence sector.
His career includes more than three years working with Task Force KINDRED and UK Defence Innovation, supporting the development and delivery of equipment to meet urgent military operational requirements.
In his new role, Todd will oversee global programmes and operations, coordinating engineering, manufacturing, technology development and customer delivery.
His responsibilities will include maintaining programme schedules, managing operational requirements and supporting the delivery of systems to established safety and performance standards.
Supporting international defence expansion
The appointments come as SYOS increases investment in its autonomous systems portfolio and seeks to expand manufacturing capacity.
The company has developed uncrewed technologies for multiple operating environments, including aerial surveillance, maritime operations and ground-based applications.
In September 2026, SYOS completed its first institutional investment round following several years of growth supported by customer contracts.
The business has previously secured contracts involving customers in the UK, Ukraine, New Zealand and Canada.
For defence procurement teams, the expanded management structure reflects the importance of programme delivery and operational experience as specialist manufacturers move towards larger production requirements.
Military customers increasingly require not only autonomous platforms but also integration with existing equipment, technical support, training and ongoing software development.
Experience in military procurement and programme management can therefore play an important role in ensuring that emerging technologies are delivered within agreed schedules and operational requirements.
The new appointments are intended to provide SYOS with additional commercial and operational expertise as it increases international activities and develops its position within the defence technology supply chain.
