BUILDING A SOVEREIGN,
AUGMENTED WORKFORCE
OUR VISION: To empower and protect the global workforce through Sovereign Intelligence, human augmentation and autonomous technologies that enhance human capability.
OUR MISSION: To create a safer, smarter, more productive and resilient workforce by integrating sovereign AI, secure data infrastructure, intelligent exoskeletons, robotics and autonomous systems — while enabling organizations to retain ownership, control and sovereignty over their data and intelligence.
OUR CORE VALUES
LEADING WITH HUMANITY
Putting people first by developing technologies that protect, augment and empower human potential.
SOVEREIGN INTELLIGENCE
Advancing responsible AI, sovereign data and trusted intelligence systems that give organisations greater control, security and resilience.
DISRUPTIVE INNOVATION
Pioneering the convergence of AI, robotics, Augmented Biomechanics® and intelligent systems to solve complex challenges on Earth and beyond.
INTEGRITY BY DESIGN
Embedding trust, transparency, responsibility and ethical principles into our technologies, partnerships and every customer experience.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
Empowering people across age, ethnicity, identity, ability, gender, religion and culture, while designing technologies for a diverse global workforce.
SUSTAINABLE PROGRESS
Advancing technology responsibly through smarter materials, efficient production, reduced waste and sustainable deployment, creating enduring value for people and planet.
OUR EXECUTIVE TEAM & BOARD MEMBERS
Arnaud Daurat
Founder & President
Arnaud Daurat is an Astronaut Trainee, entrepreneur, and defense technology executive focused on advancing Sovereign Intelligence, human augmentation, and autonomous systems for aerospace, defense, and the space economy.
He is a U.S. Department of Defense contractor, a Homeland Security contractor supporting agencies of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and a defense contractor to New Zealand’s Defence Technology Agency.
As Founder and President of Exxovantage®, Arnaud leads the development of sovereign data infrastructure, AI-powered exoskeletons, humanoid robotics, and autonomous systems designed to enhance human capability while enabling nations and enterprises to retain ownership, control, and strategic value of mission-critical data.
His work spans defense, homeland security, aerospace, astronautics, advanced manufacturing, and industrial automation, with applications extending from workforce intelligence and human augmentation on Earth to lunar operations and future off-world infrastructure.
Arnaud’s mission is to become the first Mauritian-born New Zealander-American astronaut to land on the Moon and deploy sovereign AI, humanoid robotics, exoskeletons, and autonomous systems that support humanity’s expansion beyond Earth.
Heart. Integrity. To the Stars.
Rob Sherlock
Chairman
Rob is an investor and avid self-innovator who is fascinated by what’s next. His focus is transformation, collaboration and growth. With proven governance experience and deep ties throughout the Asia Pacific region, Rob brings an international and strategic lens to the Exxovantage® team.
He is the former Global CEO and Chairman of ADK - Japan’s third largest multinational advertising network - and he spent a decade as Chief Creative Officer at Foote, Cone & Belding in the USA and Asia.
Gregory Watts
Director
Gregory has spent the last two decades working as an advisor to startups and early-stage businesses on a global scale. He has held multiple CEO and board positions across various industries including IT, manufacturing, construction, security and architecture.
A qualified engineer and Registered Fitness Consultant, Gregory brings considerable ergonomic and wellness experience to the team, earned through his time as CEO of European health and wellbeing brand Ultralife and as Managing Director for global sports nutrition brand DY Nutrition.
Scott Waugh
Chief Executive Officer
Scott is a successful revenue growth expert and team builder with 25 years of experience building corporate brands and businesses in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Thailand.
Previously a GM for Nestlé Australia, Scott scaled their new division into 40+ markets, delivering over $1 billion in sales from the global headquarters.
Scott now applies his expertise to scaling up startups and corporates, and advising on the development of go-to-market strategies, customer success, sales and marketing and VC fundraising.
Cindy Sorensen, MBA
Commercial Director - United States
Cindy Sorensen is a customer-centric, solution-oriented leader dedicated to helping organizations achieve sustainable growth through strategic partnerships, innovation, and exceptional service. At Exxovantage, she leverages her expertise in business operations, relationship management, and organizational development to deliver meaningful results for customers and stakeholders.
Cindy earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Management and Operations from the University of Utah's David Eccles School of Business while pursuing pre-law studies and completing dual concentrations in Business Management and Marketing. She accomplished these milestones as a single mother raising two young daughters. She later returned to earn her MBA with an emphasis in Supply Chain and International Operations, further strengthening her strategic and operational expertise.
A passionate advocate for community engagement and economic empowerment, Cindy is actively involved with organizations throughout Utah, including Chambers of Commerce, Bolder Way Forward, BioUtah, Silicon Slopes, 47G, and initiatives supporting displaced mothers and survivors of domestic violence. She also volunteers with the VA Hospital, supports the Utah Veterans Alliance, and is a proud member of the Patriot Guard Riders of Utah.
Outside of her professional and community commitments, Cindy is the proud mother of three daughters, an avid botanical gardener, and a competitive marathon runner. Her dedication to perseverance, service, and leadership continues to shape her approach to empowering others and creating lasting impact.
Her Leadership Philosophy: Lead with integrity, listen with empathy, and deliver solutions that create meaningful value for customers, communities, and future generations.
Simon Bridges
Senior Advisor
Lawyer turned senior National politician and MP for Tauranga, Simon has held a raft of senior responsibilities in NZ politics including as Leader of the National Party and of the Opposition.
He brings considerable experience to the Exxovantage® team from his wide variety of Ministerial portfolios including Economic Development, Transport, Communications, Energy & Resources, Labour, Associate Finance and Leader of the House.
Simon is also the bestselling and critically acclaimed author of National Identity and, since retiring from politics, is now acting as the CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber.
Kate Risbrook
Health and Ergonomics Advisor
Kate is an experienced Physiotherapist with a high level of expertise and a passion for enabling people to reach their full potential following musculoskeletal injury and surgery.
Specialising in the field of Orthopaedics Kate has spent 20+ years working within medical teams, in the UK and New Zealand to support client rehabilitation in public and private health sectors and more recently in partnership with ACC.
She has provided physiotherapy services to clients in emergency departments, inpatient, outpatient and community settings and lately as the owner/practitioner of EnhancedRecovery Physiotherapy Services in Auckland, NZ.
Silvie Thornton
Training, Marketing & Social Media
Silvie brings over 20 years of training and marketing experience across several sectors including IT, wellbeing, nutrition and education.
She previously held the role of Marketing Manager for Eurosport, a sports nutrition brand based in Spain, and also Ultralife, an international nutritional supplement manufacturer based in Aylesbury, UK.
Since returning to New Zealand in 2008, Silvie has worked primarily in the education sector and, more recently, as a corporate trainer and consultant for PEP worldwide.
Iain Lunt
Business Development Manager
Iain is a highly experienced Business Development Manager with a passion for creating relationships with his clients, adding value and finding innovative solutions to unique challenges.
For the last 24 years, Iain has worked internationally in technical sales roles across a wide range of industries.
He has previously contributed to major environmental projects for Rio Tinto Research and Technology Development in Melbourne, Australia, as well as in specialist food production laboratories.
Malcolm Garnham
Senior Advisor
Malcolm has had a wide-ranging career in the food and fibre sector in a variety of technical and management roles.
Most recently he was a Programme Lead with the MPI's Investment Programmes Directorate. He was engaged in developing a portfolio of projects from concept to implementation with businesses to accelerate the food and fibre sector’s 'Fit for a Better World' strategy. The projects ranged in value from $2 million to $20 million MPI investment.
His previous experience in the primary sector included roles in both the private and public sector including PlusGroup Horticulture, establishing Miro LP which now grows 50 hectares of blueberries and Zespri.
He also founded and operated a research and development and sustainability consultancy for many years.
Nicholas Albrecht
Senior Advisor
Nicholas is the owner and director of a government relations company Massey Coates Limited.
He previously headed Vector Limited’s government relations for over 14 years.
Nicholas has been on the Eden Park Trust board since 2018 and the Auckland Cricket board since 2014.
He is also the chair of the Victoria Park Sports and Cultural Trust. A member of the Institute of Directors. He holds a Master of Arts (Hons) in Political Studies from the University of Auckland and a Bachelor of Business Studies from Massey University.
Lily Florence
Product Designer
Graduating from Victoria University with a Bachelor of Architectural Studies, majoring in Interior Architecture and with several years experience in product development, Lily supports our technical team and practitioners, in the functional design of our products, with a keen eye on aesthetics.
As a trained dancer and qualified dance teacher with over 15 years experience, Lily has a deep understanding of human anatomy and movement, which has proven invaluable in the design of our augmented biomechanical exoskeletons.
Lisa Joe
Chief PR Advisor
Lisa has over 25 years of public relations experience in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. A media relations specialist, she advises clients in numerous sectors including education, training, recruitment, Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) and youth consumer brands.
Lisa has previously worked for international PR agencies Ogilvy & Mather and Hill & Knowlton (London). She has also acted as Communications Manager for the National Heart Foundation of New Zealand and as the PR Manager for British book retail chain Waterstones.