Space Intelligence hires Head of Engineering

Fast-scaling naturetech company Space Intelligence has hired Ben Ritchie, formerly of Microsoft, to manage its growing engineering team.

Ritchie, who has a degree in Computer Science from the University of Cambridge and experience managing large teams at Microsoft, is overseeing the development of the company’s software which allows the creation of accurate nature data at scale. This enables the estimation of forest biomass, and support of digital monitoring, reporting and verification of nature-based solutions to climate change.

“Ben has a unique combination of qualifications and experience which make him an excellent addition to the growing Space Intelligence team,” said chief executive Murray Collins.

“As we expand into new territories, Ben’s expertise is going to be crucial to keep our tech offering at the cutting edge of innovation.”

Ritchie has also worked at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh on databases of the world’s Flora and on leading the software roadmap for a Flagship Horizon Europe research project on DNA barcoding.

“I was attracted to the job at Space Intelligence because I wanted to do something mission-oriented,” Ritchie said.

“Their mission to enable zero deforestation and degradation, and support mass forest restoration, by producing the highest quality nature data products is amazing. I also love developing people, of all ages actually, and seeing people grow. After university I took two years out as a sailing instructor and I’ve always remembered the experience. Now I can help our analysts and scientists by making their tech products better and better, and help our customers deliver their fantastic projects better or more efficiently by providing great data platforms for them to use.”