Briony Shipman Vice President of Global Government Affairs For Photonic

A $200 million USD investment finalized in May is bolstering Photonic Inc.’s efforts to commercialize distributed quantum computing, and the company has made two key leadership appointments to accelerate this process. The company has brought on Orlagh Neary, formerly General Manager of Microsoft Quantum and AI Ecosystem Engagement, as Chief Marketing Officer, and Briony Shipman, a former high-ranking British civil servant, as Vice President of Global Government Affairs. This strategic expansion signals Photonic’s approach to market development and the regulatory environment surrounding quantum technologies. “Photonic was founded on the belief that quantum computing can have global meaning and global impact,” said Don Mattrick, CEO of Photonic Inc., adding that Neary and Shipman bring expertise to translate Photonic’s innovation into the partnerships, trust, and outcomes that will define quantum’s next phase.

Neary and Shipman Appointments Strengthen Commercial and Policy Leadership

This substantial capital injection allows the company to strengthen its leadership with strategic hires designed to address market demands and emerging regulatory frameworks, a proactive step for a company still building its commercial foundation. The investment of over $200 million USD ($275 million CAD) underscores Photonic’s ambition to innovate in quantum hardware and to establish the necessary infrastructure for successful market integration. Neary brings more than two decades of experience in scaling go-to-market strategies for new technologies, a skillset crucial for translating complex quantum capabilities into tangible value for potential customers. “For quantum to deliver on its potential, the technology and the ecosystem need to advance together,” Neary stated, emphasizing the importance of holistic development.

Her prior work with Microsoft, including a partnership with Photonic, provided firsthand insight into the company’s architectural approach, which she described as achieving the scale where quantum becomes genuinely useful. Neary’s founding of The ORB Network Foundation, a community supporting women in leadership, also suggests a commitment to fostering diversity within the growing quantum field. Shipman’s background is rooted in national security and policy, having spent 14 years with the UK’s Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) and recently leading cyber and physical defense at Lloyds Banking Group. This hire demonstrates Photonic’s recognition that addressing the complex and evolving landscape of quantum computing regulation is paramount to long-term success.