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Minesense Appoints New CEO to Tackle Landmine Threat

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. -appoints-new-ceo-to-tackle-landmine-threat.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, February 17th 2026 at 10:25 GMT by Toronto Star
      Locales: Ontario, CANADA

TORONTO, February 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Minesense, a pioneering technology company at the forefront of landmine and unexploded ordnance (UXO) detection, today announced the appointment of John Slaven as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately. This leadership transition comes at a critical juncture, as the global threat posed by landmines and UXO continues to escalate, impacting communities and hindering development in numerous regions.

The appointment of Mr. Slaven, a seasoned executive with a proven track record in both the defense and technology industries, signals Minesense's commitment to accelerating its growth and expanding its impact. He previously held key leadership positions at industry giants Lockheed Martin and Bell Helicopter, demonstrating his expertise in navigating complex technological landscapes and driving innovation. While details of his most recent role have been kept confidential, sources indicate a significant focus on sensor technology and autonomous systems - skills directly applicable to Minesense's core competencies.

"I am incredibly excited to join the Minesense team and contribute to their mission of making the world safer by eliminating the threat of landmines and UXO," stated Mr. Slaven. "Minesense's innovative technology and dedicated team are poised to have a significant global impact, and I look forward to leading the company through its next phase of growth."

A Persistent Global Threat

Landmines and UXO remain a devastating legacy of conflict, impacting countless civilians long after hostilities have ceased. According to the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), over 60 countries are contaminated with landmines and UXO, causing thousands of casualties each year, and hindering socioeconomic development. The problem is particularly acute in regions like Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Traditional landmine clearance methods are often slow, dangerous, and expensive, relying heavily on manual demining teams risking their lives with each sweep.

Minesense aims to revolutionize this process through its advanced detection technologies. The company has developed proprietary systems utilizing [details of technology are currently confidential but understood to involve a combination of advanced sensors, AI-powered data analysis, and potentially drone-based deployment - editor's note], offering a faster, safer, and more cost-effective approach to identifying and neutralizing these deadly threats.

A Smooth Transition & Future Outlook

The change in leadership is structured to ensure a seamless transition. Outgoing CEO Jim Tizzard, who has led Minesense through a period of significant growth and technological advancement, will move into a strategic advisory role. This will allow him to continue contributing his expertise and insights while Mr. Slaven takes the helm. "It has been a privilege to lead Minesense and witness its remarkable progress," said Mr. Tizzard. "I am confident that John is the right leader to take the company to new heights and I look forward to continuing to support Minesense in an advisory capacity."

Industry analysts predict that Minesense is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for advanced mine action technologies. Several factors are driving this demand, including increased international funding for demining efforts, the development of more sophisticated detection technologies, and a growing awareness of the long-term humanitarian and economic costs of landmine contamination.

Mr. Slaven is expected to focus on several key areas during his tenure, including:

• Expanding Global Reach: Minesense currently operates in several countries, but there is significant potential to expand its operations into new regions affected by landmines and UXO.
• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with governments, NGOs, and other organizations will be crucial for deploying Minesense's technology effectively and maximizing its impact.
• Technology Development: Continued investment in research and development will be essential for staying ahead of the curve and developing even more effective detection and neutralization solutions.
• Scaling Production: Meeting the growing demand for Minesense's technology will require scaling up production capabilities and streamlining supply chains.

As Minesense embarks on this new chapter under Mr. Slaven's leadership, the world will be watching closely. The company's innovative technology and unwavering commitment to creating a safer world offer a beacon of hope for communities affected by the devastating legacy of landmines and UXO.