About Soteria Shielding Systems
In today’s interconnected and uncertain world, our reliance on physical infrastructure systems is undeniable. These systems are becoming more vulnerable to emerging threats which can compromise their stability, safety and integrity. Soteria Shielding Systems Limited (SSS), has been formed to develop sustainable countermeasures to the symmetric and asymmetric threats facing today’s critical infrastructure landscape.
In recent years, governments and leading industries have collaborated to build, manage and try to protect critical infrastructure. A trend which shows no sign of slowing. A key objective for Soteria Shielding Systems, is to be included in these conversations, as we further develop relationships with governments and explore strategic agreements.
Partnered with the world-renowned Cranfield University
Soteria Shielding Systems are developing a commercially viable multi-layered, composite blast material capable of providing enhanced physical protection of strategic Critical Infrastructure (CI).
These technologies will allow for a fully defensive armour package, capable of protecting subterranean critical assets, including energy production or storage facilities, water storage infrastructure and data centres, against aerial threats, conventional and hybrid attacks or severe weather disruption, whilst also become an integral part of safeguarding humanitarian efforts.
Meet The Team
Board Of Directors
Trevor Bailey: Chairman
Trevor is a seasoned strategic and operational leader with a track record of shaping product and operational strategy within some of the world’s leading manufacturing companies.
Before joining Emerald Strategy Partners, he served as General Manager at General Electric’s Power Division, where he led the $13 billion integration of Alstom Power—the largest acquisition in GE’s 125-year history. Previously, as Vice President at Alstom Power, he scaled the company’s core Steam Turbine Retrofit business from a startup to over $1 billion in revenue.
Neil Moulding: Managing Director
Neil has a strong background in capital raising, having successfully secured financing for multiple real estate projects before transitioning to the energy storage sector.
His expertise in private investment has evolved into a focus on institutional capital, leveraging an extensive network of funders. With a keen ability to negotiate complex contracts, Neil has played a pivotal role in achieving financial objectives for various organisations. His leadership skills are instrumental in building high-performing teams that drive corporate success.
Yuri Perin: Financial Director
Yuri is an accomplished Quantitative Developer and Financial Engineer with extensive experience in investment finance, including roles at BlackRock and StoneRock Advisors.
Specialising in quantitative investing, derivatives pricing, and risk analytics, he has led the development of multi-asset strategies at hedge funds and played a key role in advancing risk management tools for major financial institutions. Notable achievements include winning the BlackRock 2020 ESG Investment Hackathon and successfully bridging complex financial data with actionable investment strategies.
Georgina Hurst: Operations Director
Georgina is a highly skilled operations leader with a decade of experience optimising business processes, executive support, and strategic administration.
She has a proven track record in streamlining operations, enhancing organisational efficiency, and implementing best practices across sales, administration, and logistics.
With expertise in coordinating international engagements, managing high-level business events, and executing strategic marketing initiatives, Georgina plays a crucial role in driving operational excellence. Her ability to support executive leadership and align operational frameworks with business objectives ensures the seamless execution of company-wide initiatives.
Ian Saunders: Director
Ian is a highly experienced security and stabilisation expert with over 35 years of global experience across Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East, often in crisis and conflict zones.
Following a distinguished career in the British Army, Ian has held senior leadership roles in international security, counterterrorism, disaster management, and corporate security. His expertise extends to cultural intelligence, sustainability, and resource security across government, NGO, and private sectors. Ian has advised international governments, testified before the U.S. Congress, and played a key role in Afghanistan’s first democratic elections in 2004.
Advisory Board
Wesley Davis: Advisor to the Board
Wesley is a financial expert with extensive experience in emerging markets, investment banking, and corporate finance.
With over 20 years in derivatives trading, deal structuring, and capital raising, he has provided tailored funding solutions for both private and public sector entities. He has served on multiple boards, including a U.K. publicly listed company and a systemically important bank in Uzbekistan, and continues to advise on impact-driven investments and climate transition projects.
Professor Gareth Appleby-Thomas: Advisor to the Board
Gareth is a renowned expert in materials science and defence engineering, specialising in the high-strain response of ballistic and armor materials.
A Professor at Cranfield University and Head of the Centre for Defence Engineering, he has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and delivered expert lectures to organisations including DRDO and the U.S. Army. His research supports global defence and security initiatives.
Robert Evans: Advisor to the Board
Rob is a leading expert in intellectual property (IP) management and commercialisation, currently serving as an IP advisor at Cranfield University.
With a background in geophysics, management consulting, and technology commercialisation, he has successfully brought over 50 technologies to market through spin-outs and licensing agreements. Rob manages Cranfield’s IP and patent portfolio, ensuring research innovations achieve real-world impact.
Charles July: Advisor to the Board
Charles is a legal and financial consultant with deep expertise in the energy sector, having held senior roles at leading law firms such as Dentons and Freshfields.
He specialises in project development, finance, regulation, and M&A within the conventional and renewable energy sectors. With global experience spanning the U.K., Abu Dhabi, Singapore, and Paris, Charles advises on large-scale energy infrastructure projects and financing strategies.
Vincent Bithell: Head of Investor Relations
Vincent brings over 30 years of experience in private capital markets, with a strong background in foreign exchange, fixed-income funding, and large-scale infrastructure finance.
He has successfully raised capital for real estate, renewable energy, and SME ventures, prioritising stakeholder value and structured exit strategies. Vincent is highly regarded for building investor relations teams that ensure transparency, professionalism, and seamless communication with stakeholders.
Thomas Shelton: Investor Relations
Thomas began his career as a designer in the prestigious studios of Asprey, London, before transitioning into roles across the property, commercial real estate, and alternative investment sectors in London, Singapore, and Seychelles.
Most recently, he served as an Investor Relations Associate for a U.K.-based hydrogen and energy startup, where his contributions were instrumental in securing key investments and supporting the company’s ongoing growth. His expertise in investor engagement and strategic communication enables him to foster strong relationships with stakeholders and drive long-term investment success.
James Morison: Investor Relations
James brings extensive experience in investor relations, with a particular focus on the technology and renewable energy storage sectors.
He specialises in developing and executing investment strategies that resonate with the financial community, ensuring alignment between executive leadership and operational goals. His role extends to cultivating relationships with institutional and high-net-worth investors, leveraging a deep understanding of market dynamics to drive funding and long-term partnerships.
With a passion for innovation and resilience in critical infrastructure, James is dedicated to securing investments that push the boundaries of what is possible in today’s evolving energy and defense landscape.
