D-Wave Quantum Inc., a leading quantum computing firm, has appointed Kirstjen Nielsen, former U.S. Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, to its board of directors. Nielsen is recognised for her expertise in security issues, including cybersecurity and emerging threats. She has advised technology companies, from start-ups to Fortune 100 corporations, on policy related to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum. Nielsen’s appointment comes as D-Wave continues to drive enterprise and government adoption of quantum technology.
Kirstjen Nielsen Joins D-Wave Quantum Inc. Board of Directors
D-Wave Quantum Inc., a company specializing in quantum computing systems, software, and services, has announced the appointment of Kirstjen Nielsen, former U.S. Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, to its board of directors. This move comes as D-Wave continues to promote the adoption of quantum technology in both enterprise and government sectors.
Nielsen is a globally recognized expert in security issues that are of high priority to the United States, including enterprise risk, resiliency, cybersecurity, and emerging threats. She has a deep understanding of emerging technology policy, including artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum, and has provided advice to technology companies ranging from start-ups to Fortune 100 corporations. Nielsen’s extensive experience in working with governments to leverage emerging technologies is particularly relevant as quantum computing advances to a stage where it can address real-world problems.
Nielsen’s Perspective on Quantum Computing
Nielsen believes that quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize how governments and businesses handle operational complexities. She stated, “From the amazing technology developments on the horizon to the impressive scientific results I’ve seen, D-Wave is well positioned to capitalize on its unique strengths as it ushers in this new era of computing. I’m looking forward to helping the company during this pivotal time.”
Nielsen’s Career and Expertise
Beyond her work with the Department of Homeland Security, Nielsen has held various domestic and international government roles. She served on the White House Homeland Security Council, helped create and run the then-new TSA, and led the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on Risk and Resilience. Nielsen holds a B.S. in foreign service from Georgetown University and a J.D. from the University of Virginia’s School of Law, and has practiced transactional law.
D-Wave’s Expectations from Nielsen’s Appointment
Steve West, chair of the D-Wave board, expressed excitement about having Nielsen’s advice and counsel as a valued member of the board. He stated, “Quantum technology is at an important inflection point, moving from research to commercialization, and her perspectives and expertise will help the company navigate this new frontier into quantum adoption.”
Dr. Alan Baratz, CEO of D-Wave, echoed this sentiment, stating, “It’s a transformative time for D-Wave, and we’re incredibly excited to have Secretary Nielsen join the board to help the company accelerate quantum adoption and explore quantum’s impact on AI and machine learning. As an attorney, public servant, and US and international policy expert, she will bring valuable perspectives to the D-Wave board.”
About D-Wave Quantum Inc.
D-Wave Quantum Inc. is a company that specializes in the development and delivery of quantum computing systems, software, and services. It is the first commercial supplier of quantum computers and the only company building both annealing quantum computers and gate-model quantum computers. D-Wave’s technology has been used by some of the world’s most advanced organizations, including Mastercard, Deloitte, Davidson Technologies, ArcelorMittal, Siemens Healthineers, Unisys, NEC Corporation, Pattison Food Group Ltd., DENSO, Lockheed Martin, Forschungszentrum Jülich, University of Southern California, and Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in the press release are forward-looking, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements and may not be indicative of future results. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the potential of quantum computing, anticipated future developments by D-Wave, and the position of D-Wave in the quantum computing industry.
“Quantum computing has the potential to transform the way governments and businesses tackle operational complexities, and D-Wave is clearly leading this evolution,” said Secretary Nielsen. “From the amazing technology developments on the horizon to the impressive scientific results I’ve seen, D-Wave is well positioned to capitalize on its unique strengths as it ushers in this new era of computing. I’m looking forward to helping the company during this pivotal time.”
“Quantum policy, investment and engagement are global in nature, and as quantum programs continue to advance and expand, we are excited to have the advice and counsel of Secretary Nielsen as a valued member of our Board of Directors,” said Steve West, chair of the D-Wave board. “Quantum technology is at an important inflection point, moving from research to commercialization, and her perspectives and expertise will help the company navigate this new frontier into quantum adoption.”
“It’s a transformative time in quantum computing, as governments and businesses increasingly recognize the near-term value today’s quantum solutions can deliver,” said Dr. Alan Baratz, CEO of D-Wave. “It’s also a transformative time for D-Wave, and we’re incredibly excited to have Secretary Nielsen join the board to help the company accelerate quantum adoption and explore quantum’s impact on AI and machine learning. As an attorney, public servant, and US and international policy expert, she will bring valuable perspectives to the D-Wave board.”
Summary
“Kirstjen Nielsen, former U.S. Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, has joined the board of directors at D-Wave Quantum Inc., a company specialising in quantum computing systems, software, and services. Nielsen’s expertise in security and emerging technology policy, including artificial intelligence and quantum, is expected to aid the company’s efforts in promoting the adoption of quantum technology in enterprise and government sectors.”
- D-Wave Quantum Inc., a leading quantum computing company, has appointed Kirstjen Nielsen, former U.S. Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, to its board of directors.
- Nielsen is recognised for her expertise in security issues, including cybersecurity and emerging threats. She has extensive experience in emerging technology policy, including artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum technology.
- Nielsen’s appointment comes as D-Wave continues to drive the adoption of quantum technology in enterprise and government sectors.
- Nielsen has previously advised technology companies, from start-ups to Fortune 100 corporations, and has a history of working with governments to utilise emerging technologies.
- Steve West, chair of the D-Wave board, and Dr. Alan Baratz, CEO of D-Wave, have expressed excitement about Nielsen’s appointment, highlighting her potential contributions to the company’s transition from research to commercialisation of quantum technology.
- D-Wave is the world’s first commercial supplier of quantum computers and is currently developing both annealing quantum computers and gate-model quantum computers.