COMPANY INFO
Nauticus Robotics, Inc. is a public company founded in 2014 by Nicolaus Radford. It specializes in developing intelligent, sustainable ocean technology including autonomous underwater robots and AI-powered software for energy, aquaculture, and security applications. The company has approximately 52 to 93 employees and is headquartered in Webster, Texas. Its official website is https://nauticusrobotics.com. Nauticus Robotics operates in the ocean robotics, transportation, logistics, and supply chain industry, transforming the way work is done in the ocean with innovative robotic solutions. (tracxn.com, nauticusrobotics.com, linkedin.com)
Nauticus Robotics, Inc. is a pioneering ocean technology company specializing in intelligent autonomous underwater vehicles and AI-driven software solutions for sectors spanning energy, aquaculture, and marine security. Founded in 2014, Nauticus Robotics transforms offshore operations by delivering innovative robotics platforms that enhance safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
The Nauticus Robotics leadership team brings together renowned industry veterans, accomplished technologists, and business strategists with deep expertise in robotics, energy, finance, and operations. Drawing from backgrounds at NASA, leading oil & gas corporations, and premier research institutions, the Nauticus Robotics executives drive the company’s rapid growth, strategic partnerships, and product innovation in the fast-evolving ocean technology landscape.
Nicolaus Adam Radford co-founded Nauticus Robotics in 2021, initially serving as President and CEO, and was instrumental in raising over $250 million in funding. During his tenure, Radford spearheaded the development and market introduction of Nauticus Robotics’ flagship platforms, Aquanaut and Hydronaut, as well as guiding the company through a SPAC merger and subsequent Nasdaq listing (KITT). He established strategic collaborations with major oil & gas operators, scaling the deployment of AI-powered subsea robots for inspection and intervention missions.
Radford holds both a BSEE and MSEE in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Purdue University, where he conducted DARPA-sponsored research into advanced motor systems. His prior experience includes 14 years at NASA’s Johnson Space Center leading the Robonaut2 and Valkyrie humanoid robotics initiatives. A serial entrepreneur and recipient of multiple industry awards, Radford has also founded Jacobi Motors and Rad Capital Ventures.
Appointed President and CEO in April 2023, John W. Gibson Jr. leads Nauticus Robotics’ corporate strategy and operational expansion following the company’s transition to public markets. Gibson has focused on driving revenue growth, securing pivotal contracts with offshore service providers, and expanding the Aquanaut fleet from 5 to 12 units, positioning Nauticus Robotics for long-term market leadership.
Gibson earned his bachelor’s in Geology & Earth Science from Auburn University and a master’s from the University of Houston. He is the former Chairman and CEO of Flotek Industries and brings over 30 years of executive experience in oil & gas with senior leadership roles at Gulf, Chevron, Halliburton, and Parker Drilling. Renowned for turnaround management and strategic M&A, Gibson elevates Nauticus Robotics’ stature in global energy technology.
As a co-founder and COO, Reginald Bruce Berka, Ph.D. leads Nauticus Robotics’ global operations, engineering, and program delivery. Berka directed teams responsible for the commercialization of the Aquanaut platform and integration of proprietary autonomy software, achieving significant reductions in deployment time and subsea project costs.
Berka holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Rice University and has over 20 years’ experience at NASA and Oceaneering, leading complex AUV/ROV initiatives and NAVSEA programs. He has published extensively in marine robotics, served as adjunct faculty at the University of Houston–Clear Lake, and previously held executive roles at subsea technology firms.
As CTO since January 2022, Dr. John D. Yamokoski shapes the company’s technical vision, overseeing R&D for autonomy software, sensor fusion, and AI systems for ocean robotics. He has spearheaded the development of a real-time, cloud-native control architecture, advancing Nauticus Robotics’ reliability and scalability.
Dr. Yamokoski earned his Ph.D. in Robotics from the University of Florida and has more than two decades in the field, including key technical leadership at NASA’s Robonaut2 and Valkyrie programs and defense technology VP roles. His expertise encompasses autonomous systems and human-machine interfaces, with a robust publication record in the discipline.
Appointed Interim CFO in May 2024, Victoria Hay manages Nauticus Robotics’ financial strategy, capital allocation, and compliance for public company operations. She has implemented efficient financial reporting systems, cut the company’s monthly close cycle in half, and improved cashflow forecasting accuracy.
A CIMA-qualified accountant, Hay holds a BSc (Hons) in Biotechnology & Management from Edinburgh University. She co-founded Flexible Consulting LLC, served as Senior Director, Global Accounting & Reporting at Weatherford International, and held analyst roles at Morgan Stanley, bringing global financial leadership to Nauticus Robotics management team.
Since August 2024, John Symington has led Nauticus Robotics’ legal, governance, and compliance functions. Symington negotiated key strategic deals, expanded the company’s intellectual property portfolio by 60%, and managed regulatory matters across international markets.
Symington holds a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law and a BA from Duke University. He brings over 20 years of in-house legal counsel experience, including with Frank’s International and Seadrill, and deep expertise in M&A, IPOs, and global operations—strengthening Nauticus Robotics’ compliance and risk management.
As VP of Field Operations since March 2023, Daniel Dehart oversees global project execution for ROVs and AUVs. Dehart has maintained 99% uptime during deployments and led the first successful North Sea demonstration, securing a $15 million customer contract.
Dehart holds a BSc in Ocean Engineering from Texas A&M University and has over a decade of operational experience in subsea robotics and offshore construction. His background includes project management roles at ROVOP and Tidewater Subsea, emphasizing large-scale construction and marine engineering.
Appointed in October 2023, Jason Close leads Nauticus Robotics’ software autonomy initiatives, including the launch of a new enterprise platform integrating analytics and remote operations. His efforts have contributed to a 20% increase in renewals and greater customer engagement.
Close has a BSc in Petroleum Engineering from Colorado School of Mines and more than 20 years’ experience in energy tech leadership. He has held officer roles at public technology companies, advised at Plug and Play Tech Center, and specializes in product management and commercialization.
Since June 2023, Ciara Campbell has directed Nauticus Robotics’ HR strategy, encompassing talent acquisition, performance management, and DEI initiatives. She implemented new hiring processes that reduced onboarding time by 30% and introduced professional development programs, improving employee retention.
Campbell holds an MBA in Healthcare Administration from Lamar University and a BA in Business Administration from Texas State University. With a proven track record in HR for tech and energy sectors, she is active on community boards in the Houston area.
Appointed in January 2024, Xavier Thomas is responsible for Nauticus Robotics’ IT and OT architecture, ensuring robust cybersecurity and real-time operational support for cloud robotics. He introduced secure data pipelines and architectural improvements that reduced system latency by 25%.
Thomas holds a cybersecurity certification from Southern Methodist University and over 15 years’ experience in cybersecurity, IT, and cloud integration. Previously VP of Business Development at Scently, he also advises as a CISO for multiple organizations.
The Nauticus Robotics leadership team blends technical excellence with proven operational and corporate management, supporting innovation, scalability, and strategic execution. Company founders and executives possess extensive backgrounds across robotics, legal, finance, energy, and software engineering, driving the organization’s mission to transform ocean industry practices with advanced robotics and AI. This dynamic management team sustains Nauticus Robotics’ competitive edge as it grows across international markets.
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