Our Team
Bryan Dean
Bryan Dean is a CEO with extensive experience in creating software and hardware space systems. He is skilled in Electronics, Aerospace Engineering, Space System Design and Embedded Software.
As an Electrical System Architect, Bryan participated in creating the ExoMars Rover, Solar Orbiter and Aeolus projects for the European Space Agency.
The main mission that Bryan sees as the CEO of Dragonfly is to create optical payloads that are game-changers in earth observation.
Eugene Yakovlev
Eugene has over 10 years of solid managerial experience in the financial, business development, and investment sectors. He is an ACCA and CIMA certified specialist, skilled in financial analysis, creating business models, forming a long-term investment strategy, providing business development analysis and leading a number of other business activities. With a focus on the space industry, Eugene has extensive experience in structuring and concluding deals, maintaining relationships with partners and providing financial expertise to companies.
Janine Nicolson
Janine has over 25 years of broad, solid International Satellite, Media and Telecommunications experience. She has extensive experience in optimizing the company's resources in the Satellite market. With a focus on the space industry, she is adept at building successful teams and finding opportunities for the company to grow. As Head of Business Development at Dragonfly, Janine plans to expand the value of precision remote sensing around the world.
Adriaan Wessels
Adriaan has over 20 years of experience in the hi-tech sector across multiple industries. He holds undergraduate degrees in computer science and electronic engineering from the University of Cape Town, as well as a Masters degree in Business Administration. Adriaan has extensive skills, including business process improvement, business analysis, project management, operations management and business strategy. He is establishing and overseeing the company’s operations and procedures, with the aim of making Dragonfly Aerospace an industry leader in this area.
Kannas Wiid
and Co-Founder
Kannas Wiid has over 10 years experience in satellite system engineering. He graduated from Stellenbosch University with a degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. As a co-founder and satellite engineer of Dragonfly, he is implementing the company's ambitious plan to produce up to 48 satellites per year.
Rikus Cronje
and Co-founder
Rikus is an experienced Electro Optical Systems Engineer with solid knowledge and skills in aerospace imaging sensor systems design. Ricus has experience with imaging systems from the concept to production, including system specification, modeling, design, evaluation and testing. As engineer, Ricus has many years of experience in designing and implementing embedded software for inertial navigation systems and creating high-definition optical systems.