MEET OUR TEaM
Ozzie Kalil
Chief Executive Officer
Ozzie Kalil is the Chief Executive Officer of Faction AI and has 28 years of entrepreneurial experience, including 17 years in private equity. He has co-founded and been involved in several start-up companies which has strengthened his background in both sales and corporate finance. Mr. Kalil has built a reputation for developing new business models and strategies, and the demonstrated ability to navigate companies through fast changing and powerful markets.
Dr. Dinara Rakhimbaeva
Chief Investment Advisor
Dr Dinara Rakhimbaeva is a distinguished businesswoman with a 15-year background in investment banking in London. She has successfully raised $10.5 billion for various enterprises across China, Singapore, the USA, Europe, and the Middle East. Currently she is the Founder and Chairman of 14 tech companies, 2 digital banks, a legal firm, and a tech aviation company in the Middle East.
Dr. Ming-Jung Seow
Chief Technology Officer
Dr. Ming-Jung Seow is an inventor, scientist, and entrepreneur. He has 20 years of experience commercializing Al research into disruptive technology on Al System. Ming has authored and published 55 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, peer-reviewed conference papers, and over 100 U.S. and international patents in machine learning, computer vision, and pattern recognition. Ming’s Al breakthrough innovations paved the way for Behavior Analytics and Cognitive Analytics in the Al, IoT, and Blockchain community.
Jatin Sindhi
VP Faction AI Smart City Operations India
Jatin Sindhi is a versatile, high-energy professional with over 22 years of experience in the technology industry. He has held prominent roles including Vice President-APAC at Oracle and Senior Director at SAP, where he led the SAP Cloud Platform and Innovation strategy. Jatin excels in driving business growth through partner ecosystems, focusing on technologies like Cyber Security, Analytics, Al, ML, loT, and BigData Strategy. His career spans significant tenures at renowned companies such as Dimension Data – NTT, Dell, IBM, APC, and HCL.
Fred Palma
Chief Operations Officer
Fred Palma is a hands-on COO with extensive experience leading creative and disruptive products from concept to launch. Anomaly Detection, loT, and the monetization and gamification of Social Networking platforms are among the innovations Fred has pioneered the productization of. Led the launch and commercialization of solutions across numerous industries during his 20+ years of international executive management leadership, Fred has managed R&D, QE, software and hardware engineering, and Others. He has established and managed include Intel, Cisco, Accenture, HP, NVIDIA, and Huawei.
Dr. Bikarna Kumar Ghosh
VP Smart City Operations in Bangladesh
Dr. Ghosh, a former Grade 1 Secretary to the Government of Bangladesh, has over 30 years of experience in public sector roles, including ICT policy-making, IT project management, local government administration, and export development. A medical graduate (MBBS) with three master’s degrees (MBA, MPH, MPPM), Dr. Ghosh has also pursued advanced training in project management from Stanford, ICT from Sweden, and leadership from Singapore. Currently, he is spearheading Faction AI’s $5 billion Smart Hi-Tech Park project, with plans for a $10 billion Smart City and a $20 billion smart Tourism initiative in Bangladesh.
Max Garza III
Chief Blockchain Officer
Max Garza III is a Venture Capitalist, Innovative Disruptor and Early-Stage Investor. Max is a co-founder and COO at Tachyon Labs, Co-founder and coo for AA Global Solutions, Vice President and CTO for The Boston Capital Group, Lead ICO and Blockchain R&D Advisor for Dragon Coin, the 4th largest global ICO in 2018 Co-founder & equity partner at Dionysus Studios and a Hollywood Media CEO to CIBUS Global Studios and co-owner of Blockchain Research and Development in India.
Steve Ponsler
EVP, Business Development
Steve Ponsler holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Corporate Finance and General Business Administration. Mr. Ponsler has more than 30 years’ experience in these fields, with concentration in investments, banking, and private and public placements. Mr. Ponsler has worked in senior roles with Merrill Lynch and UBS/Paine Webber in Investments and an advisory capacity. He has continued his role in various startup opportunities, including real estate, software, and various technology ventures. His diverse background in funding and valuations for both the private and public sectors should serve Faction Holdings Corporation well.
Curtis Cole
SVP of Field Operations
Curtis has been working in technology for 30 years, starting as an Aviation Radar Technician in the US Marine Corps. He takes satisfaction in helping clients grasp difficult technology, such as the Danish Central Bank and Thailand’s Ministry of Transport. Curtis has deployed Alpowered Cyber and Physical security product suites globally. He has also managed IT and Operations teams at previous jobs, providing high-quality assistance from layer 1 to 7. SECURE COGNITIVE INFORMATION USING BEHAVIORAL RECOGNITION SYSTEMS is his convention.
Tom Wells
Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Wells attended Xavier University and graduated magna cum laude. He is a CPA and spent his first 10 years in public accounting working for large accounting firms which include Arthur Andersen and Main Hurdman. For the past 34 years he has spent his time owning and operating several successful companies. Much of his time was spent acquiring, growing, and selling business. Currently, Mr. Wells owns several private companies ranging from 10 to 60 million in sales and just completed the sale of his 160 million dollar company. Mr. Wells will assist on both financial and operations of the company.
Amjad Suleman
EVP, Business Strategy
Amjad Suleman has been associated with the investment banking and Fintech industries for over two decades and has held Senior Management positions with Citigroup, Mizuho International, Wachovia, Reddot capital, and management consultancy firms such as Schlumberger and Atos Origin.
Venkat Pakala
SVP of Finance & Operations
Venkat has over three decades of experience in senior roles in Banking and Financial Services. He has an MBA in International Finance from a prestigious university. He was previously Head of International Operations – IT at Mashreq, a renowned UAE bank. He formerly worked in Bangalore for Misys (a UK-based global leader in Banking Software Solutions). He is currently a partner with Tachyon Labs, NetOptima Solutions, and Mind Share Consultants. He is currently working with some of the major Indian IT companies looking to expand into new markets. He is part of a core team of start-ups in India that focus on disruptive technology and have patented IPs. Involved in significant capital advisory projects for global investment firms.
Rick Spitz
Chief Strategy Officer
Rick Spitz is a seasoned technology executive with over 35 years of experience in developing pivotal computer technology products. Specializing in AI strategy and intellectual property development, his notable roles include Vice President of Software at Apple, where he led the Macintosh software team, and Co-Founder of Reach Local. Spitz has also served as CTO of Worldwinner.com, Vice President of Product Development at Sungard’s decalog, and Group Manager at Digital Equipment Corp. Holding over 50 patents, he has a Master’s in Computer Engineering from the University of Massachusetts, a Bachelor’s in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Clemson University, and postgraduate studies in Executive Leadership and AI from Boston University and MIT Sloan.
K.C. Li
President Smart City Operations Africa
K.C. Li is an accomplished economist currently serving as Chairman of the Union Pay International Africa regional Council and holding director positions in various global financial institutions. A London School of Economics graduate with a Master’s in International Tax Law, he began his career as a Public Finance Lecturer at the University of Mauritius in 1974. Li has made significant contributions to Mauritius’s financial sector, including advising the Minister of Finance and pioneering the nation’s first Unit Trust and Property Fund. He founded the Mauritius International Trust Co. Ltd (MITCO) and has served as a consultant to the United Nations and a Member of the Mauritius Parliament. Recognized with the ‘Grand Officer of the Star and Key’ of the Indian Ocean and the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ by Banker Africa, Li’s leadership facilitated the introduction of Alipay services to Africa. He continues to influence economic and financial strategies across Africa and Asia, with roles at Afreximbank and various Emerging Markets and Asia Hedge Funds.
Kelvin Nana Sarfo
VP Smart city Operations Ghana, Africa
Kelvin Nana Sarfo is the President & CEO of Faction Holdings Ghana Limited, with 20 years of experience in engineering, energy, digital transformation, strategic planning, and investment management. He has worked globally with top consulting and engineering firms. In his role, he oversees the construction and operation of a multi-billion-dollar Smart City and AI Innovation Hub in Ghana. He is also a Senior Operations Manager for a multinational engineering company and the Founder & CEO of a petroleum and logistics company in the UK.
Vijay Goel
Senior Partner (Singhania & Co.) PRACTICE AREAS Corporate Law, Joint Ventures Foreign Collaborations and Real Estate
Vijay Goel, a Senior Partner at Singhania & Co.’s London office, has over 15 years of experience in corporate law, joint ventures, foreign collaborations, and real estate. He has advised on major real estate transactions in India, private equity investments, and listings on AIM, London. Vijay has also facilitated significant deals, including a $500 million power project funding for Reliance in 2009. His notable roles include Local Representative for the Amravati Smart City Project, Founder of the Inda-EU Business Forum, and Chairman of the London Chamber of Commerce Asian Business Association.
Dr. Natalia Soloviova
VP Faction AI Smart Health Care Europe
Dr. Natalia Soloviova is an accomplished obstetrician-gynecologist and assistant professor at Zaporizhzhia State Medical and Pharmaceutical University. She is also the founder and CEO of the Charitable Foundation “Salyus.” With a PhD in Obstetrics and Gynecology and a master’s degree in Enterprise Management and Labor Economics, Dr. Soloviova has extensive experience in both clinical practice and academic research. She has published extensively on topics related to obstetric and perinatal complications and has participated in numerous international medical internships and conferences.
Ananda Setiyo Ivannanto
CSO Chief Strategy Ofcer Faction Ai Smart Cities Indonesia
Born on October 13, 1985, in Pangkal Pinang, Bangka Belitung, he has 15 years of expertise in renewable energy, waste management, agribusiness, healthcare, and M&A consultancy. He has fostered strong ties with Japan for two decades, facilitating education, business, and social ventures, and serves as a one-stop solution between Indonesia and Japan. As Vice Chairman of the Indonesia Wind Energy Association and Japan Indonesia Kaizen Center, he holds prominent roles in various professional organizations. He co-founded the Indonesian Overseas Alumni Network, engaging over 5000 diaspora members. With leadership roles in A-Wing Group, he oversees 11 companies across Japan, Indonesia, and Bangladesh. He holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Japan.
Dr Robert Mhlanga
Chairman Faction Ai Smart City Operations Africa
Dr. Robert Mhlanga, born to Willie and Enesi Mhlanga, was raised with values of hard work, noble principles, and altruism. From royal lineage on both sides, his upbringing emphasized humility and helping others. Completing high school at 17 during Rhodesia’s colonial rule, he became a Freedom Fighter for Zimbabwe’s liberation, leading to a 30-year military career, ultimately rising to Air Vice Marshall and Chief of Staff of the Air Force of Zimbabwe. Holding two PhDs, in Interdisciplinary Studies and an honorary degree in Restorative Justice, Dr. Mhlanga is now a successful businessman in green energy, smart city initiatives, and mining.
Tory Castillo
President Faction AI Global Experiential Marketing
Tory Castillo is a visionary leader in sports marketing and brand partnerships with decades of experience. He has a proven track record of innovative strategies, notably as Director at Wasserman, where he led AT&T’s sponsorships with AT&T Stadium and the Dallas Cowboys. Castillo also managed high-profile player agreements and partnerships with Mercedes Benz Stadium and the AT&T Performing Arts Center. As VP of Sports and Entertainment at Jack Morton Worldwide, he directed Chevrolet’s sports marketing initiatives with MLB and other major entities. He holds a BA in Mediation from the University of North Texas and continues to drive innovation in sports marketing.
Joshua Kyle
President Faction AI Global Battle Tech
Joshua Kyle is an experienced operations manager with a strong background in safety, project management, and financial oversight. Currently, he leads Sprague Pest Solutions in Colorado, achieving significant revenue growth and maintaining high customer retention rates. With expertise in ISO standards, OSHA regulations, and personnel management, Joshua has a proven track record in optimizing operational processes and ensuring safety compliance. His diverse experience includes roles in unexploded ordnance management and technical positions in telecommunications and manufacturing. Joshua holds an MBA and a BSB, along with multiple professional certifications.
Dr. Debo Ogunlami
President Faction AI Samson Finance
Dr. Debo Ogunlami, educated in Nigeria and the UK, holds an LLB from London University’s School of Oriental and African Studies, an LLM in International Law from University College London, and a PhD in Petroleum Taxation Law from Dundee University. He also has an MBA in Corporate Finance from Middlesex Business School. With over 30 years of experience in legal, corporate finance, privatisation, systems integration, and software implementation, Debo has worked on projects across the Middle East, Europe, and Nigeria, including successful stints at Cambridge Technology Partners and Crystal Decisions (now part of SAP). Since 2014, he has been a lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University London’s Business School, where he has also served as deputy head of the School of Accounting, Law, Hospitality, Events Management, and Tourism.
Getta Leonardo Arisanto
VP Faction Ai Smart City Operations Indonesia
Getta Leonardo Arisanto is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience in the financial industry, covering banking, insurance, retail, fintech, and digitalization. Currently serving as Chief Investment Officer at PT ASCOT ASIA International and Director of Finance & Investor Relations at Borobudur Bhumi Syailendra, he has a proven track record of driving revenue growth and developing successful investment strategies. His previous roles include CEO of PT Radja Coklat Indonesia and Chief of Sales Distribution at Advista Life, where he significantly increased sales and market share. Getta holds a degree in Finance Management from Universitas Persada Indonesia and is a Certified Financial Planner.
Dr. John Hassard
President Faction AI Smart City Sustainability
Dr. Hassard is an accomplished academic and entrepreneur, skilled in multidisciplinary research and translating it into societal benefits. With a focus on security, energy, sustainable technologies, water, and CBRN sensor networks, he has over 300 highly cited publications. A pioneer in neural nets for High Energy Nuclear Physics, he developed award-winning sensor networks for the 2012 London Olympics and won the IEEE Supercomputing Platinum Award. Educated in the UK with a PhD from Hamburg, he has held prestigious postdoctoral positions and has been a faculty member at Imperial College. since 1986. He has led R&D programs globally, founded 11 companies, and won the 2023 Prize for Sustainable Technology.
Octave Bodel
President Faction AI Smart City Global Operations
Octave Bodel is a finance expert with vast experience in wealth management, private equity, and infrastructure projects. He began his career at Citibank in Monaco and has worked with prominent family offices and financial institutions worldwide. He founded Alphaline Investments and the China Reference Fund, managing $200M USO. Octave played a key role in a $28 USO infrastructure initiative between Saudi Arabia and China. He holds a BS in Corporate Finance from IFAM Paris and is an alumnus of Tsinghua University’s business program. Fluent in multiple languages, he mentors at the International University of Monaco.
Contact us
For additional information contact us on info@factionai.io