Saïf-Deen Akanni

Saïf-Deen Akanni has extensive work experience in various roles related to technology, engineering, and aerodynamics. Saïf-Deen currently serves as the Chief Technology Officer at IONA since April 2022. Prior to this, they worked at Sentient Blue Technologies as the CEO and CTO from January 2017 to October 2022.

Before joining Sentient Blue Technologies, Saïf-Deen held the position of Senior Aerodynamicist at Haas Formula 1 Team from July 2016 to October 2017. Prior to this, they worked at EKES Ltd from March 2013 to March 2016, where they were involved in numerical modeling using CFD and FEA tools for jet engine designs.

Saïf-Deen also gained experience at other notable organizations such as BAE Systems, where they worked as a CFD - Numerical Modelling specialist from May 2012 to November 2012. Saïf-Deen also worked as a CFD and FEA Modelling specialist at General Dynamics UK Limited from August 2011 to May 2012.

Earlier in their career, Saïf-Deen worked at Rolls-Royce as a Test & Development Engineer for the Trent XWB Programme from July 2010 to May 2011. Saïf-Deen also worked at Airbus Group as a Functional Safety Engineer for the Airbus A350 XWB fuel system from August 2009 to December 2009. Prior to this role, they worked as an Aerodynamics and Aeroelastics Engineer at Airbus Group, where they performed analysis on the F136 engine and the Liftfan components for the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.

In the early years of their career, Saïf-Deen worked as an Aerodynamicist at Airbus Group, where they worked on the Airbus A320 and A350 wing designs and conducted CFD and aeroelastic studies. Saïf-Deen also worked at Sauber Motorsport AG as the Head of Computational Fluid Dynamics from February 1999 to February 2002.

Overall, Saïf-Deen Akanni has a diverse range of experiences and expertise in technology, engineering, and aerodynamics, working with organizations in various industries.

Saïf-Deen Akanni completed their undergraduate education from 1985 to 1990 at Cornell University, where they earned a BSc degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Saïf-Deen then pursued their further studies, obtaining a PhD in Fluid Dynamics from City, University of London, from 1993 to 1999.