In making the announcement, REI President, Dr. Adam Dissel, recognized the valuable contributions both individuals continue to make in the aerospace and national security sectors and the important role they will have in helping guide the company’s strategy and market growth in thermal management solutions for government (military and civilian) and commercial applications.
“Dr. Lewis is one of the foremost technical and program experts in the United States and internationally in the field of hypersonic research and development. The depth and breadth of Dr. Lewis’ impressive career, his senior leadership roles, and the cumulative experience spanning academia, government, and industry are precisely the leadership skills REI sought to chair the Board of Advisors,” Dissel stated.
“JV Venable – from his distinguished career as a military aviator and decorated combat veteran, to his proven expertise on national security and aerospace matters – will be a tremendous asset to the Reaction Engines advisory board. His in-depth knowledge and critical thinking on military strategy and policy – notably in U.S. Air Force programs, priorities, and funding – will be a valuable resource and important voice on our U.S. Advisory Board,” said Dissel.
“I’m excited to join and Chair the Reaction Engines Inc. Board of Advisors”, stated Dr. Lewis. “I’ve known and followed the growth and maturity of the Reaction Engines’ technology and U.S. team for several years. Reaction’s unique thermal management technology holds great promise for future high-speed systems, but also has tremendous dual-use application for other defense, energy, and commercial markets,” added Lewis.
Venable’s also shared Lewis’ excitement in joining the REI Advisory Board. “As a former military aviator and in my current role as a national security analyst and advisor on U.S. defense policy, I recognize the impact and value of Reaction’s technical breakthroughs,” Venable said. “The market aperture for Reaction Engines is growing. Decision-makers in the Pentagon, NASA and other agencies who are watching the positive results coming from Reaction Engines’ design and test facilities will be taking a very long look at Reaction’s products and services and how they can address current and future thermal management challenges,” Venable added.
Commenting on the board announcement, Mark Thomas, CEO of Reaction Engines Ltd., REI’s UK parent company, remarked that “the U.S. Advisory Board is an essential step in the growth of our company’s U.S. business offering. We recognize the strength of the U.S. market and see immediate opportunities for our technology to make a difference in multiple sectors, as the company has proven in the UK. I am delighted that Mark and John are joining us on our journey and warmly welcome them both to Reaction Engines”.
