Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Space
  • /
  • Bright Ascension strengthens leadership team

Space

Bright Ascension strengthens leadership team

Dundee based space software tech provider, Bright Ascension Ltd., has appointed Patricia Druken as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Laura Calder as the new Chief Finance Officer (CFO), to create a stronger commercially-focused team ahead of the launch of its end-to-end HELIX suite of software products.

Above: (left to right) Richard Adams, Sales Director, Patricia Druken, COO, Anna White, Product Manager and Laura Calder, CFO.
Courtesy Bright Ascension

Dundee based space software tech provider, Bright Ascension Ltd., has appointed Patricia Druken as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Laura Calder as the new Chief Finance Officer (CFO), to create a stronger commercially-focused team ahead of the launch of its end-to-end HELIX suite of software products.

Advertisement
ODU RT

The newly formed leadership team will focus on maximising business growth opportunities and strengthening Bright Ascension’s position on global markets.

Patricia Druken is an accomplished executive with over 20 years of experience in technology leadership and operation. A former COO at Bell Procurement Management in Singapore, she spent the last three years transforming the company’s global structure, operating model and technology. With 90% of the company previously in her reporting line, Patricia brings extensive people management experience to Bright Ascension’s operations.

Patricia will focus on providing management, leadership and vision to the newly formed commercial team to ensure the company meets its objectives in securing the market and revenue for its HELIX products. Amongst others, Patricia will be assisted by Richard Adams, formerly of Mix Telematics, who joins the company as the new Sales Director and Anna White, a former Senior Product Owner at People’s Postcode Lottery, who is tasked with bridging the gap between engineering and commercial teams as Bright Ascension’s new Product Manager.

“Patricia’s profound experience and expertise in implementing various management control structures for operations and expanding the company’s global footprint will be crucial in securing the future for HELIX and bringing our new products to the market,” said Peter Mendham, CEO at Bright Ascension. “As the bulk of engineering and development effort is nearing the release and the first HELIX products are preparing to enter their commercial life, we are putting more focus on building a stronger customer journey to help scale our sales and revenue generation processes.”

“Bright Ascension is on a phenomenal trajectory”, said Patricia Druken, newly appointed COO. “I am thrilled to join the company at such a pivotal moment to ensure HELIX brings exceptional results and accelerates growth.”

Advertisement
ODU RT

 

 

 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
DSEI Germany adds fourth exhibition hall

Defence Security Space Events

DSEI Germany adds fourth exhibition hall

3 June 2026

The organisers of DSEI Germany have announced that, due to unprecedented industry demand, they will be opening a fourth exhibition hall ahead of its debut in March 2027.

A.R.T. partners with Space East to launch networking event

Space Events

A.R.T. partners with Space East to launch networking event

3 June 2026

One of Europe’s longest-running IPC Certification Centres, Advanced Rework Technology Ltd (A.R.T.), has partnered with Space East, the East of England’s space cluster organisation, to host the Connect, Collaborate, Launch networking event on 2nd July 2026.

Surrey Space Institute appoints Dr Paul Bate as a Professor in Practice

Space

Surrey Space Institute appoints Dr Paul Bate as a Professor in Practice

2 June 2026

The former CEO of the UK Space Agency, Dr Paul Bate, is joining the University of Surrey as a Professor in Practice and will support the newly established Surrey Space Institute to develop international partnerships.

Aurora Avionics secures TASA rocket contract

Space

Aurora Avionics secures TASA rocket contract

2 June 2026

Scottish space technology company Aurora Avionics has secured its first customer in the Asia-Pacific region after signing an agreement with the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA).

Advertisement
ODU RT
Viasat and partners complete Iris RPAS flight trial

Aerospace Space

Viasat and partners complete Iris RPAS flight trial

27 May 2026

Viasat has collaborated with TTP and Frequentis, under the European Space Agency (ESA) Iris programme, on an Iris Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) flight trial.

Dstl achieves UK’s first optical downlink from space

Defence Space

Dstl achieves UK’s first optical downlink from space

27 May 2026

The UK’s first successful download of data from space using a deployable laser communications ground station has been achieved by Archangel Lightworks for the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl).

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner