Connect with us

Technology

Beacon Global Strategies Adds Two National Security Experts to Its Growing Team and Announces Several Senior Promotions

Published

on

WASHINGTON, Feb. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Beacon Global Strategies (BGS), a leading strategic advisory firm focusing on global public policy, government procurement, and geopolitical risk analysis, today announced it will be expanding its growing team by adding Mr. Peter Hall as Senior Vice President and Mr. Jon Green as Associate Vice President. In these roles, Mr. Hall will provide invaluable insight to the firm’s Intelligence Practice, while Mr. Green will support the firm’s Defense Practice. Additionally, BGS is pleased to announce the promotions of Mr. Barry King to Managing Director, Ms. Julie Grundman, Mr. Ivan Kanapathy, and Mr. Louis Lauter to Senior Vice Presidents.

“We’re excited to have Peter and Jon join our BGS team. Their extensive expertise in intelligence and defense will undoubtedly bolster our capabilities, further solidifying our dedication to providing unmatched strategic advisory services to our clients,” stated Andrew Shapiro, Managing Director at Beacon. “Additionally, we extend our congratulations to Barry, Julie, Ivan, and Louis on their well-deserved promotions.”

Mr. Peter Hall recently joined BGS as Senior Vice President. Prior to joining Beacon, Mr. Hall served as Senior Director for Growth at Peraton, overseeing growth pursuits at the National Security Agency (NSA) across three business units. With nearly four decades of experience in the U.S. Intelligence Community, he held significant roles, including Deputy Chief of a Joint Agency program and NSA Director’s senior representative to the Department of Defense (DoD). Renowned for his extensive counterterrorism (CT) experience, he served as Deputy Director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) and NSA’s Chief of the Office of Counterterrorism, where he orchestrated global CT operations. Mr. Hall’s career also includes roles as NSA’s most senior representative in a combat zone and Acting Assistant Deputy Director, Analysis and Production. Beginning as a Russia analyst and linguist in the U.S. Army, his exceptional career contributions span critical locations during and after the Cold War, earning him the Presidential Rank Award in 2017. 

Mr. Jon Green recently joined BGS as Associate Vice President. Before joining BGS, Mr. Green spent more than eight years working as an advisor and committee staff member on Capitol Hill, most recently serving as the Defense Policy Advisor to Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). During his tenure on the Hill, he played a pivotal role in the development of nine National Defense Authorization Acts and three annual defense appropriation bills, securing hundreds of millions of dollars for priority defense programs. During his time on Capitol Hill, Mr. Green advised senior elected officials on a wide array of international security issues, ranging from Afghanistan to Ukraine, and functional matters such as irregular warfare and information operations. Prior to this, Mr. Green worked as a contractor for the Department of Defense in Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics. 

Mr. Barry King has assumed the role of Managing Director. Mr. King will help lead the firm’s Intelligence Practice, advising a range of clients with key national security and technology capabilities on go-to-market strategy, stakeholder engagement, as well as policy and budgetary matters. Before joining Beacon, Mr. King served as the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC) Deputy Chief Financial Officer at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). In this role he advised IC leadership on the allocation of the $60B+ National Intelligence Program budget against U.S. intelligence priorities, leveraging strong working relationships with colleagues across the IC, the Department of Defense, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and Capitol Hill. Mr. King previously served in several senior White House roles, including as Chief of OMB’s Defense Operations, Personnel, and Support Branch; Special Assistant to the OMB Director; and Director of Strategic Planning on the National Security Council staff. Prior to his government service, Mr. King was an international contract negotiator at Raytheon Company.

Ms. Julie Grundman has assumed the role of Senior Vice President. In this role, Ms. Grundman will continue contributing to the ongoing work of the National Security Technology Practice. Before joining BGS, Ms. Grundman was a Senior Manager at PwC UK, where she led the Cybersecurity in Mergers & Acquisitions team. During her time at PwC, she was also seconded in a senior operational role, acting as an Information Risk Manager for a business unit at a global oil and gas company. Before then, Ms. Grundman was an early employee at IronNet Cybersecurity, a technology startup. At IronNet, she managed early customer engagements and strategic alliances, and assisted in the design and growth of the business development and customer success functions. Prior to IronNet, Ms. Grundman oversaw the cybersecurity portfolio at Business Executives for National Security (BENS), working closely with government partners. She has also practiced cybersecurity, data privacy, and corporate law. 

Mr. Ivan Kanapathy has assumed the role of Senior Vice President. In this role, Mr. Kanapathy will continue to support the firm’s Indo-Pacific Practice as well as lead the firm’s Taiwan Analysis Center, which helps clients navigate corporate opportunity, exposure and risk related to Taiwan. Before joining BGS, he had a distinguished career as a military officer and foreign affairs expert, primarily focused on the Indo-Pacific region. Most recently serving on the White House’s National Security Council staff as Deputy Senior Director for Asian Affairs and Director for China, Taiwan, and Mongolia, where he provided crucial advice to the President and National Security Advisor while leading interagency policy development regarding U.S. relations with China and Taiwan across various domains. Previously, as a military attaché at the American Institute in Taiwan and a Marine Corps Foreign Area Officer study fellow, Mr. Kanapathy advised top officials on cross-Strait military matters and conducted extensive research throughout China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia. With a background as a Naval Flight Officer and expertise in security studies, he has amassed numerous awards and decorations, including the Air Medal and Defense Superior Service Medal. Mr. Kanapathy is also active in academia as an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and holds positions at prominent think tanks, including the Center for Strategic and International Studies and the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. 

Mr. Louis Lauter has assumed the role of Senior Vice President. In this role, Mr. Lauter will continue to support the firm’s Defense Practice. Prior to joining BGS, Mr. Lauter served as the Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs, where he advised the Secretary of Defense on all legislative matters, supported the confirmation of political appointees and managed congressional engagement across the Department of Defense. Previously Mr. Lauter served in the Obama Administration in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs from 2015-2017 as the Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs and the team chief for Acquisitions, Technology and Logistics. Prior to joining the Department of Defense, he served as the vice president for congressional and government affairs at CSIS where he led the think tank’s outreach to Congress. Before joining CSIS, Mr. Lauter worked for Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and then for Representative Rick Larsen (D-WA) where he led the Congressman’s work on the House Armed Services Committee and the U.S.-China Working group. Mr. Lauter is a Senior Associate (non-resident) at CSIS. Mr. Lauter has been awarded both the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service and the Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service.

About Beacon Global Strategies

Founded in 2013, Beacon Global Strategies is a strategic advisory firm specializing in foreign policy, defense, cyber, intelligence, and national security. Drawing on decades of service in the international security arena, Beacon develops and executes strategies that enable companies to achieve their business objectives around the world.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/beacon-global-strategies-adds-two-national-security-experts-to-its-growing-team-and-announces-several-senior-promotions-302074607.html

SOURCE Beacon Global Strategies

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

The Building & Furniture Category Highlights Sustainable and Human‑Centric Design at the 139th Canton Fair

Published

on

By

GUANGZHOU, China, April 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Phase 2 of the 139th Canton Fair has seen the Building & Furniture category emphasize green Infrastructure and human-centric design.

A major highlight of the building and decorative materials section is the introduction of photovoltaic marble-textured cladding. This innovative surfacing material bridges the gap between high-end aesthetics and renewable energy. Unlike traditional solar panels that rely on glass, this non-opaque cladding uses precise microscopic structures to guide light to internal PV cells.

This technology offers 60% higher efficiency than traditional transparent solar systems while reducing carbon emissions by over 50%. Its ability to reproduce stone, wood, or brick‑like 3D textures allows architects to integrate power generation into a wide range of building styles without the industrial appearance of traditional solar panels.

Indoor environments are also becoming smarter and safer. Manufacturers are showcasing high-efficiency antibacterial surfacing, utilizing visible light catalysis to provide 24-hour protection against mold and bacteria. These advanced decorative papers and panels are becoming the new standard for high-end interior decoration, prioritizing long-term hygiene in residential and commercial spaces.

The sanitary ware sector is increasingly focused on the aging global population and those with limited mobility. A standout innovation is the electric lift-and-rotate shower chair. Designed for the dry-wet separation bathroom layout, it allows users to sit in a dry area and be safely rotated and lifted into the shower via remote control. This waterproof, low-voltage system provides dignity and independence for the elderly while reducing the physical strain on caregivers.

Hygiene and ease of maintenance have also seen a breakthrough with wall-mounted toilets. By moving the lid connection to the tank wall and adopting a mortise‑and‑tenon structure, the design eliminates the hard‑to‑clean areas where bacteria typically accumulate. Many of these units also incorporate ergonomic grab bars directly into the frame, blending safety with a minimalist aesthetic.

In the sports and leisure industry, the shift toward sustainability is seen in non-infill synthetic turf. This next-generation football grass eliminates the need for rubber granules or sand, providing a natural touch and superior shock absorption while significantly reducing maintenance costs and microplastic pollution.

All these innovations demonstrate how the Building & Furniture sector is advancing toward greener materials, smarter functionality, and more human‑centered design, setting new benchmarks for the future of living spaces.

For pre-registration, please click: https://buyer.cantonfair.org.cn/register/buyer/email?source_type=16

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2965701/Image1.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/the-building–furniture-category-highlights-sustainable-and-humancentric-design-at-the-139th-canton-fair-302753654.html

Continue Reading

Technology

Nexteer’s Global First Steer-by-Wire Goes into Production

Published

on

By

BEIJING, April 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Nexteer Automotive helped a leading Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer bring the world’s first production passenger vehicle with a full drive‑by‑wire chassis to market. The vehicle features Nexteer’s steer‑by‑wire (SbW) system as a key enabler.

The SbW featured in this vehicle marks Nexteer’s first SbW system in mass production, representing a major step forward for the technology — moving from development and validation to full-scale production. Certified in late 2025, this system achieved the world’s first ASIL D functional safety approval from DAkkS (German Accreditation Body) through close collaboration with the OEM. This certification reflects global top-tier performance in fault diagnosis, redundancy, and safety monitoring. Key features include:

Multi-layered redundancy design: Dual controllers, dual power supplies, multiple communication links, and dual actuation paths — achieving redundancy at system, hardware, and software levels. This ensures that in the event of a single fault, the backup path takes over within milliseconds with no loss of steering function.Full‑scenario functional safety mechanism: Multi‑level monitoring and fault handling strategies covering sensors, controllers, actuators, and communication links.Variable steering ratio: Automatically adjusts steering angle and effort based on vehicle speed and driving mode, balancing agility and comfort.Intuitive road‑feel simulation technology: Software‑defined steering feedback delivers a more responsive and precise driving experience, adaptable to a wide range of driving scenarios.Open interface for autonomous driving: As a key actuation layer for ADAS and autonomous driving systems, it provides real‑time, precise control capabilities, supporting the development of intelligent transportation systems.

Steer-by-Wire: Electronic Signals Replace Mechanical Links, Flexible Configurations for Diverse Needs

By decoupling the mechanical link between the hand wheel and the road wheels, steer-by-wire replaces conventional mechanical connections with electronic signals and actuators — and is quickly becoming a foundational technology for next-generation intelligent chassis and autonomous driving platforms. As a motion control technology company with 120 years of engineering heritage, Nexteer offers a flexible, off-the-shelf portfolio of steering feel simulators and road wheel actuators. This modular approach allows us to meet the diverse needs of different vehicle models and driving scenarios efficiently and cost-effectively.

From Steering to Braking: Expanding Full-Stack Motion Control Capabilities

Building on its deep expertise in steering systems, Nexteer has expanded into braking with its Brake-by-Wire solution, the Electro-Mechanical Brake (EMB). EMB has completed full development and rigorous validation and is ready for mass production. Together with SbW, Brake-by-Wire (EMB), Rear-Wheel Steering, and the MotionIQ™ Software Suite make up Nexteer’s broader Motion-by-Wire™ portfolio.

With Nexteer, OEMs get more than steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire components: they get a complete, proven, production-ready and cost-effective drive-by-wire chassis motion control solution that’s shaping the future of the software-defined chassis and enabling faster development, lower costs and safter, smarter and more exciting driving experiences.

During Auto China 2026, we cordially invite you to visit Nexteer at Booth W1B03, Hall W1, China International Exhibition Center (Shunyi) in Beijing, to experience firsthand the breakthrough innovations of steer-by-wire and Motion-by-Wire™ technologies.

ABOUT NEXTEER AUTOMOTIVE

Nexteer Automotive (HK 1316) is a global leading motion control technology company accelerating mobility to be safe, green and exciting. Our innovative portfolio supports Motion-by-Wire™ chassis control, including electric and hydraulic power steering systems, steer-by-wire and rear-wheel steering systems, steering columns and intermediate shafts, driveline systems, software solutions and brake-by-wire. Celebrating 120 years of automotive innovation in 2026, Nexteer builds on a strong legacy of engineering excellence while continuing to shape the future of mobility. The company solves motion control challenges across all megatrends – including electrification, software/connectivity, ADAS/automated driving and shared mobility – for global and domestic OEMs around the world including BMW, Ford, GM, RNM, Stellantis, Toyota and VW, as well as automakers in India and China including BYD, Xiaomi, ChangAn, Li Auto, Chery, Great Wall, Geely, Xpeng and others. www.nexteer.com  

Links to Nexteer Media Center

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2368187/5937537/nexteer_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/nexteers-global-first-steer-by-wire-goes-into-production-302753641.html

Continue Reading

Technology

World IP Day 2026: PitchMark launches Ideas.Exchange to help creators safeguard and license ideas in the age of AI

Published

on

By

SINGAPORE, April 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — To mark World IP Day 2026, PitchMark® today launched Ideas.Exchange, a first‑of‑its‑kind platform designed to help creators assert intellectual property rights, license ideas, and formalise creative conversations in an increasingly AI‑driven economy.

Unveiled at Safeguard Your IP in the Age of AI, a media briefing hosted by CNBC’s Sri Jegarajah, the platform responds to growing concern that ideas are routinely used, reused or absorbed without attribution, consent or compensation—often with limited legal or commercial recourse.

“AI has amplified both the reach and the risk for creators,” said Mark Laudi, Managing Partner of PitchMark LLP. “Ideas.Exchange gives creators a way to protect themselves while still participating confidently in the market for ideas.”

At its core, the platform focuses on three interventions for creators:

Asserting IP rights by establishing proof of authorship and precedenceLicensing ideas without giving them away for freeFormalising conversations so pitches and evaluations are governed rather than informal

Ideas.Exchange is powered by three proprietary resources developed by PitchMark. These include a blockchain‑driven clearing house where ideas and creative works can be listed and licensed; smart contracts that automate usage terms and reduce disputes; and an IP Governance Certification Program designed to signal responsible handling of ideas, particularly in enterprise and AI contexts.

The result, PitchMark says, is three concrete outcomes: deterrence of idea theft, new ways to monetise ideas through structured licensing and price discovery, and a more level playing field that allows creators to pitch to clients and platforms on equal terms.

The launch comes amid renewed scrutiny of how intellectual property is treated in the AI era. While idea theft is rarely reported, its impact is significant. Beyond visible financial losses, organisations and creators often absorb hidden costs through talent attrition, innovation suppression and abandoned market opportunities.

“Most idea theft occurs informally and never reaches the courts,” said Prof David Llewelyn, Professor Emeritus of Law at Singapore Management University. “Introducing governance, traceability and standards is a meaningful step toward addressing that gap.”

Spokespeople including Prof Llewelyn, technology lawyer Bryan Ghows, and Mark Laudi are available for interview.

About PitchMark

PitchMark® deters idea theft and enables creatives to get paid by providing a trusted way to share and license ideas with prospects and clients.

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/world-ip-day-2026-pitchmark-launches-ideasexchange-to-help-creators-safeguard-and-license-ideas-in-the-age-of-ai-302753571.html

SOURCE PitchMark

Continue Reading

Trending