Stephen Marland

Director - Product, Innovation and Strategy

2022 - Current

AiDash helps industries become more resilient, efficient and sustainable through the power of satellites and AI. As founder and product owner, I led the development and scaling of the Intelligent Sustainability Management System (ISMS) – an AI supported platform that enables developers, land managers or owners to assess, plan, report and monitor biodiversity and natural capital. I managed a cross-functional team of designers, engineers, and product managers through the entire development cycle, including feature prioritisation, design, testing, and delivery. I led and expanded the ecology team, refining processes enabling product scale-up. In 2024, I established an ecology consulting practice to complement product and service growth. My contributions to data science and R&D drove IP generation, unique product features, and core process efficiency improvements. Additionally, I served as the technical lead for natural capital, carbon, and biodiversity initiatives, supporting sales in securing multiple SaaS contracts. In exploring new business models, I validated sustainability-related business models, assessing customer value propositions, technical feasibility, and product roadmap timing. Please check out Sustainability Superheros webinar where I interview leaders making progress towards a cleaner, greener and more sustainable planet.

Director / Senior Manager for Innovation (National Grid Partners)

2018 - 2022

Director for Innovation in National Grid Partners (NGP), acting VP and member of the investment committee, overseeing global team transitions. Developed NGP’s innovation strategy, implemented lean start-up methods, and managed a portfolio of early-stage concepts. Prototyped, secured investment and IP transfer of an environmental satellite assessment product with AiDash, launched 11th Nov 2021 at COP26.

Head of UK Group Technology

2015 - 2018

Part of Corporate Strategy and a business partner, heading a team of 4 senior managers in the UK. Provided strategic consultancy to National Grid Ventures and the C-Suite, contributing to internal business development programs resulting in new balancing services and Carbon Capture & Storage due diligence. Researched emerging technologies (quantum computing, hydrogen, AI, EV charging) and a key contributor to the vision endorsed by the Board to create a corporate venture capital and innovation function - National Grid Partners (NGP).

Team Manager / Energy Strategy & Policy – GB System Operator

2012 - 2015

Led a small team of 4 analysts in the System Operator (now NESO), co-authoring National Grid’s Future Energy Scenarios publication and presenting to over 300 industry delegates annually.

Strategy Manager / Future Projects & Innovation Manager (National Grid Gas Distribution)

2011 - 2012

Collaborated with Public Relations on regulatory strategy to influence government policy on gas infrastructure in a low-carbon economy. Delivered 16 research projects, managing a £1.1M R&D budget. Additionally, helped secure £2.2M in innovation funding for a bio-gas pilot plant

Executive Assistant

2010 - 2011

Reporting to the COO for Gas Distribution (now Cadent Gas), a business c. 6,000 employees, 11m gas consumers and half of Britain’s gas system.

Pricing Manager

2007 - 2010

A role within Finance accountable for maintaining a £1.5b revenue budget, setting the annual charges, communicating material changes in price levels and representing the company in public forums.

Customer Account Manager

2006 - 2007

An ambassadorial role with the gas Commercial function responsible for several business accounts. Responsibilities included senior customer engagement, policy advocacy and escalated issue resolution.

Auditor

2003 - 2006

Internal auditor, promoted twice in this role.

Project Analyst (National Grid Transco)

2002 - 2003

Business strategy project analyst.

Graduate Trainee (Lattice Group)

2001 - 2002