London-based quantum firm Orca Computing has appointed industry veteran Erik Langaker as its chairman of the board as it looks to the next phase of growth.
With more than 30 years in tech, Langaker is seen by the company as a steady hand with global recognition that can lend the firm his leadership and insight.
Langaker has held executive roles at numerous prominent tech firms, notably as both an investor and board chair at Pragmatic, one of the UK’s largest semiconductor companies. He has also served as investor and former chairman of CMR Surgical, a robotics health tech company that this year secured a £150m funding round.
“It is an honour to welcome Erik as chairman,” said Richard Murray, chief executive and co-founder of Orca Computing.
“His leadership and strategic clarity will be critical as we continue to scale our quantum systems globally and unlock commercial applications.”
Founded in 2019, Orca Computing develops quantum computers using modular optical fibre-based architecture. Among the more prominent firms in the field, the company has claimed to have installed 30% of the world’s total quantum computers.
The group has worked with organisations as diverse as the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC), the US Air Force and Vodafone.
“Orca represents a rare combination of scientific excellence and commercial pragmatism, delivering real-world quantum systems that are already impacting sectors like telecoms, energy and defence,” said Langaker.
“I’m excited to join the board at such a dynamic stage and to help guide Orca as it continues to turn breakthrough technology into tangible value.”
The appointment of Langaker marks the stepping down of Professor Ian Walmsley, who co-founded Orca Computing and has served as its chair since launching. Walmsley will retain a seat on the board of directors.
“I’ve been privileged to lead Orca’s board since the company began, and to assist its emergence from a bold vision for quantum computing to a global leader in useful quantum machines,” added Walmsley.
“The next phase of growth for the company, I am pleased to hand over to Erik, who brings critical experience in building deep tech companies to become market leaders.
“I look forward to continuing engagement with Orca, both as a regular board member and as advisor.”
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