Gilles Bessens

Gilles Bessens has extensive work experience in the engineering and technology industry. Gilles currently serves as the VP of Engineering at SKYTRAC. Previously, they held the position of Vice President of Engineering & Technology at Kongsberg Geospatial from 2018 to 2022, where they were responsible for aligning technology decisions with organizational goals and managing research and development efforts. Gilles also worked as a Software Development Lead at General Dynamics Canada from 2013 to 2015 and as a Product Manager and Software Engineer at General Dynamics C4 Systems from 2012 to 2014. Prior to that, Gilles worked as a Software Engineer at General Dynamics Canada from 2005 to 2011. Gilles also has experience as a Software Engineer at General Dynamics Mission Systems from 2006 to 2008 and as a Software Engineer at the NRC Research Institute in 2004. Earlier in their career, Gilles worked as a Professor of Electronics at La Cite Collegiale from 1997 to 2002.

Gilles Bessens has a diverse education history. Gilles obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in Business Administration, Management, and Operations from the Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa from 2018 to 2020. Prior to that, they completed a Masters degree in Digital Signal Processing at the University of Ottawa from 2001 to 2004. Gilles also holds a Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering from the University of Ottawa, which they obtained from 1997 to 2001. Additionally, Gilles completed a Technologist of Electronics Engineering program at La Cite Collegiale from 1993 to 1996. In terms of certifications and licenses, they are a Professional Engineer, obtained from the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers in 2015. Gilles also holds certifications as a SCRUM Master, Sailing Level B, and has a Private Pilot's license. Gilles has additional certifications as an Advanced HAM Radio Operator and NATO Secret.