Our Leadership Team

Ben Sherwood

Chief Technology Officer

Ben is responsible for leading and managing the engineering department. He is a highly experienced engineer from the outboard engine and automotive sectors. He previously led the development of the CXO300, a 300hp diesel outboard, as Chief Engineer at Cox Powertrain Ltd.

Ben has 26 years of engineering experience and has previously worked for Lotus Cars, Jaguar Land Rover, FIAT GM and COX Powertrain where he led the design and development of their engine from concept to production. He leads the continuous product improvements and emission certifications of the engines and will expand the product range with new innovative solutions and products in the future.

Tom Hewson

Head of Production

Tom plays a pivotal role as he oversees engine build and testing, implementing process enhancements to elevate productivity and efficiency. Additionally, he provides valuable Aftersales support by delivering technical training content and offering technical assistance.

His extensive background includes a 4-year tenure at Cox Powertrain, where he managed aftersales technical support and training. Prior to that, during his 6 years at Ricardo, Tom specialized in prototype manufacturing and assembly, overseeing small batch pre-production programs for various manufacturers. With a remarkable 12-year stint in the automotive industry, he contributed significantly to performance and race car development, specializing in engine build and calibration.

Paula Blanco

Operations Director

Paula is tasked with overseeing daily operations and processes within the company, ensuring efficiency, productivity, and the attainment of organizational goals in the operations area.

A lawyer by profession, Paula boasts over 15 years of experience in management and tactical business leadership roles. Her expertise lies in implementing strategies to reduce costs and delivery timescales for trading and manufacturing companies.

Before joining Neander’s team, Paula served as the head of the logistics and customs compliance department at Cox Powertrain. Additionally, she spent 7 years as the deputy manager of the logistics department and manager of the warranty department at Paterson Simons & Africa Ltd, a prominent company in the sale and distribution of crane machinery for ports and mines in West Africa.

Pedro Almeida

Chief Customer Officer

Pedro is responsible for leading and managing the Sales Department.
Prior to Neander, Pedro was the EMEA Sales Manager for Cox Powertrain. He has more than 20 years of experience in the Marine Industry.

Pedro previously managed aftersales departments on brands such as Suzuki and Polaris.

Joel Reid

Chief Executive Officer

Joel is responsible for overseeing the sales, marketing, aftersales and business development areas of the business. As the CEO, he has also the responsibility
of defining the business strategy and investor relations.

Prior to joining NEANDER Joel was Global Sales Director for Cox Powertrain, a UK based diesel outboard engine startup, were he created the global distributor network, positioned the brand globally and organized the customer support process. Prior to COX Joel was an independent advisor to financial institutions investing in marine assets.

Joel also managed a shipyard in North East Spain and held different sales and marketing roles for a variety of high-growth manufacturing companies in the chemical, pharmaceutical and water treatment areas.

Joel holds a BSc from the Universitat Autonoma of Barcelona and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth.

Mark Farrelly

Head of Quality

Mark is responsible for implementing and maintaining Quality Management systems to ISO9001 Standards. He is also lead for supplier improvements.

Bringing 28 years of manufacturing experience across Asia, Europe, and America, he has excelled in developing products, processes, and supplier networks for renowned brands including McLaren, Mercedes Benz, Lotus, Toyota, Ford, GM, Jaguar, and Tesla.