Pasqal, the Nasdaq-listed neutral-atom quantum computing firm (PSQL), has appointed Roberto Mauro as Chief Product Officer, signaling a move beyond hardware development toward integrated quantum solutions. Mauro will focus on aligning product development across hardware, software, cloud services, and customer needs. Simultaneously, Joëlle Lumb joins Pasqal as Chief Human Resources Officer, tasked with organizational transformation to support the company’s rapid international expansion. “Pasqal’s ability to translate scientific leadership into meaningful customer outcomes will depend on the strength of both our products and our organization,” said CEO Wasiq Bokhari.

Roberto Mauro Leads Product Strategy for Neutral-Atom Systems

Pasqal is integrating its hardware development with a full-stack solution, appointing Roberto Mauro as Chief Product Officer to spearhead this shift beyond foundational research. Mauro’s focus will be on translating Pasqal’s advancements in neutral-atom quantum computing into commercially viable offerings, encompassing both the physical hardware and the software, cloud services, and support needed for wider adoption.

This move signals a maturation for the Nasdaq-listed firm, indicating a move from scientific exploration toward delivering practical quantum solutions to customers. Pasqal’s systems are already deployed across France, Italy, Saudi Arabia, and Canada, and this expanded product focus aims to broaden that reach.

Mauro brings three decades of international experience to Pasqal, including a dedicated focus on quantum technology since 2019, positioning him to bridge the gap between laboratory innovation and market demands, the company says. “Pasqal’s research and development organization is strong, and our opportunity is to complement that strength with a product organization built around customers and the outcomes that matter most to them,” said Mauro, outlining his immediate priority.

This customer-centric approach is underscored by Pasqal’s recent partnerships, including a collaboration with LG Electronics to build scalable hybrid AI and quantum computing platforms, and a partnership with Saudi Aramco Entrepreneurship Ventures to expand into Saudi Arabia and the MENA region. These collaborations demonstrate a clear intention to deliver quantum computing capabilities within existing technological ecosystems. The company’s commitment to a full-stack offering is further evidenced by its integration with NVIDIA’s CUDA-Q platform, allowing CUDA-Q workloads to run directly on Pasqal’s quantum processing units.

This interoperability helps developers and researchers already familiar with the CUDA ecosystem, lowering the barrier to entry for utilizing Pasqal’s technology. Pasqal also integrated its Quantum Resource Management Interface with NVIDIA CUDA-Q, and its QPUs into MegazoneCloud’s cloud services. Beyond commercial partnerships, Pasqal is actively involved in research collaborations, such as the WelinQ project focused on networked quantum computing with interconnected neutral-atom processors, according to the company.

Pasqal’s strategic direction is not solely focused on technological advancement; the appointment of Joëlle Lumb as Chief Human Resources Officer highlights the importance of organizational structure in scaling the business. “My priority will be to help create the leadership capabilities, organizational clarity and inclusive culture that enable our people to do their best work and support Pasqal’s successful growth across markets,” Lumb stated, acknowledging the need for internal transformation to support the company’s ambitious goals.

This emphasis on internal development is particularly critical given Pasqal’s relatively recent founding in 2019 and its current headcount of approximately 275 people. The company, having raised over €440 million, is now poised for a period of accelerated growth, requiring a robust and adaptable organizational structure to capitalize on its technological advancements and expanding market opportunities.

Pasqal’s ability to translate scientific leadership into meaningful customer outcomes will depend on the strength of both our products and our organization.
Wasiq Bokhari, Chief Executive Officer of Pasqal

Joëlle Lumb Drives Global People Strategy and Transformation

Pasqal’s expansion into a publicly traded company on Nasdaq as PSQL necessitates a restructuring of its internal organization, and Joëlle Lumb’s appointment as Chief Human Resources Officer directly addresses this need for scalable operational frameworks. Lumb’s prior experience leading people strategies at NielsenIQ and Nielsen, encompassing European, Middle Eastern, and African markets, positions her to build a global infrastructure capable of supporting Pasqal’s international deployments in France, Italy, Saudi Arabia, and Canada. The scale of Pasqal’s ambitions requires more than simply adding personnel; it demands a deliberate reshaping of organizational structure and leadership capabilities, a task Lumb explicitly prioritizes.

Lumb’s expertise extends beyond talent acquisition and retention to encompass critical areas such as post-merger integration and IPO readiness, skills honed during her tenure at Nielsen. “Pasqal is bringing together exceptional scientific, engineering and commercial talent to build a transformative technology company,” Lumb explained.

Wasiq Bokhari, Chief Executive Officer of Pasqal, affirmed this perspective, stating, “Roberto combines deep technology and product expertise with a strong understanding of our customers and markets. Joëlle brings extensive experience helping global organizations navigate growth and transformation.

Their leadership will be instrumental as we focus our product portfolio, strengthen execution and prepare Pasqal to operate at greater scale.” Lumb’s executive master’s degree in human resources from ESSEC Business School and engineering degree in agronomy provide a unique blend of analytical and interpersonal skills suited to the challenges of building a high-performance organization in a rapidly evolving field.

Pasqal’s research and development organization is world-class, and our opportunity is to complement that strength with a product organization built around customers and the outcomes that matter most to them.
Roberto

Pasqal’s Executive Appointments Support Commercial Quantum Computing

Pasqal’s expansion of its executive team reflects a strategic shift toward delivering complete quantum solutions, not just hardware. Roberto Mauro’s appointment as Chief Product Officer signals a move beyond foundational research and into integrated offerings encompassing hardware, software, and cloud services, a progression validated by his prior experience at Samsung leading data and artificial intelligence technology investments. Mauro previously spent two decades at Samsung, developing strategic partnerships and international business development expertise, skills Pasqal intends to use for wider market penetration.

He began work with Pasqal in January 2024, initially focusing on building the company’s presence in the Asia-Pacific region and securing funding for research collaborations in Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and Singapore. Mauro’s focus on customer outcomes is central to Pasqal’s evolving strategy.

Mauro holds a Master of Science in Engineering from Politecnico di Milano and an MBA from IMD, bringing a blend of technical expertise and business acumen to the role. Joëlle Lumb, appointed as Chief Human Resources Officer, will focus on building leadership capabilities and fostering an inclusive culture.

Pasqal’s establishment of a partnership with Saudi Aramco, and its research collaborations with institutions like King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology demonstrate a commitment to expanding its global footprint and require a robust human resources framework to manage this expansion, the firm reports. Lumb emphasized the importance of a supportive internal environment.