The CEOI Leadership Team Consists of:
Nicolas Leveque – CEOI Director
Nicolas is an earth observation mission systems engineer, with major roles on Sentinel 5 Precursor (satellite system engineer and payload interface manager), and more recently as Engineering Manager for the EE9 FORUM Phase A/B1 study. He has also led and managed projects related to EO convoy mission concepts and space debris mitigation.
Josh Vande Hey – CEOI Science Co-Director
Dr. Vande Hey is Lecturer in Environment and Health at University of Leicester, based jointly in the Earth Observation Science Group in the School of Physics and Astronomy, and in the interdisciplinary Centre for Environmental Health and Sustainability. His scientific work is in policy-facing air quality research underpinned by technology development in Earth Observation, with expertise in passive and active optical remote sensing of atmospheric pollution. He is a senior member of IEEE. Dr. Vande Hey has considerable experience in knowledge exchange and knowledge transfer through over 18 years of working in or with industry. As part of the CEOI leadership team, he leads on science workshops, coordinates CEOI inputs to national conferences, and supports the CEOI knowledge exchange programme.
Kevin Smith – CEOI Technology Programme Director
Dr Smith has a background in high resolution infrared molecular spectroscopy and instrument development. He has worked at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory since 1997, during which time he has held a variety of roles, including: leading a successful research group focusing on the development of novel remote sensing instrumentation; managing a NERC national facility; research grant programme management in STFC Programmes Directorate; Energy and Environment Theme Leader in the STFC Strategy Planning and Communication Directorate; and co-lead of the STFC Air Quality Network. Currently Dr Smith spends half of his time working for CEOI, with the remainder allocated to his role as Deputy Head of Operations for RAL Space.
Katy Angliss – CEOI Programme Manager
Katy has substantial experience as a Programme and Project Manager in a wide variety of industries spanning communications, utilities and academia. Katy has been part of the CEOI since July 2025 and is based at the Space Park, University of Leicester. Katy supports all of the CEOI programme activity for professional services and administration. For any CEOI queries, please contact Katy at ceoiadmin@leicester.ac.uk.