About Us

James Banasik MSc

Founder & Meteorologist

james@metswift.com

James Banasik (Applied Meteorology and Climate, MSc) is accredited by the prestigious University of Reading – ranked 2^nd in the world for research in Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences.

He co-founded MetSwift in response to the supposition that ‘you cannot predict the weather that far ahead’, drawing on the research and learning of his fellow graduates, who are now a part of MetSwift.

Whilst in a previous role, James & his peers identified a notable gap in current commercial weather and natcat forecasting.

With Shaun Pammenter MSc – his co-founder – and supported by the expertise of James Peacock MSc (Head Meteorologist) and Joseph France MMet (Head of Data Science) he began developing MetSwift’s work in 2015: Utilising academic expertise alongside big data, artificial intelligence and data science to evolve the ways in which weather data is treated; predicting up to five years ahead.

‘We are aiming to revolutionise the way in which meteorological intelligence is delivered to industry – making it smarter, swifter and placing our clients in control of extremely high quality, instant insights. This improves their processes and is enabled by the range of analytic models within our platform, which range from historical statistical analysis to advanced, ever-learning predictive AI.’

Shaun Pammenter MSc

Co-Founder

shaun@metswift.com

‘As a professional sailor, I live weather daily. During racing seasons, I constantly review weather events and patterns that I am aware will be precipitous to gain even incremental advantages. My desire to discover more in this area led me to study Meteorology and Climate at the University of Reading.

That time at Reading, a global leader in Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences, was the start of what is now MetSwift. We saw an opportunity to transform, not just the ways in which long-term forecasting is carried out, but the potential future reach of the prediction.

Following years of developing machine-learning models, global coverage of WMO approved weather stations, and applied climate science we are creating analytic forecasting capabilities never seen before: Bringing us ever closer to achieving what we set out to do.

I am passionate about our environment. Finding solutions to critical climate problems requires talented people committed to pushing frontiers: Individuals with the knowledge, skill and curiosity to apply principles of meteorology, maths and data science in new ways. This is true of finding solutions for industry also, and is why we’ve bought innovative meteorology, drawing on our AI, to industry.’

Andrew Kirk

Managing Director

andy@metswift.com

Andrew is an experienced business owner, specialising in the provision of Information Technology services. His focus has been within Business Development, and Commercial and Sales Management, which have also included Facilities and Construction Services.

He worked for four years as Business Development Manager for Skansa, who develop and build for a sustainable future.

He’s an involved Managing Director, ideal for a start-up. He is skilled in perceiving the current dynamics of a business and developing realistic roadmaps that negotiate future strategies, listening carefully to his team. His ease in management, development and sales experience are a part of his practical and considered approach both to people and planning.

Andy began as a Sales person with MetSwift at the company’s conception, quickly becoming our CTO. Within MetSwift we feel Andy is able to perceive both the nuances of our company’s evolution and the expansive picture. His managerial style is highly adaptive – taking into account the varied values and approaches each of his team bring; resulting in a holistic company culture that can incorporate a range of business specialisms.

‘I feel this supports MetSwift in being a collaborative company where we feel we can work together to achieve gamechanging results.’

Andy is also our in-house chef, renowned for his bacon sandwiches.

George Killingbeck

Sales Specialist

george@metswift.com

At MetSwift George is a specialist in the financial sector, including insurance, weather derivatives, and energy trade.

George has a strong sales background in innovative tech, from internet and telecoms services to high-end colour management software. He keenly follows the ways in which technology is rapidly evolving and is especially interested how it enables time to be dedicated elsewhere, enhancing human value.

‘This motivated me to join MetSwift – seeing how it can provide instant results and revolutionise weather risk management.’

In his free-time George is a keen artist and photographer.

Dave Parratt

Chief Technical Officer

dave@metswift.com

‘As Chief Technology and Compliance Officer I ensure first-rate governance and due diligence to ensure the stability and security of our offering and to maintain the Industrial-strength product our increasing client demand requires. In conjunction with this objective, we are working to maintain our agility and continually increase product development velocity to meet the expectations of our broadening market offerings.

I have many years’ experience managing large and complex projects, programmes & portfolios for financial service clients, ostensibly, Tier 1 banks. From large scale data migration projects to infrastructure renewal and business transformational programmes; I have had the opportunity to understand the enabling capabilities of technology when managed well in business.

MetSwift is a very interesting company. Our recent award for Best Use of AI is testament to the innovation and thought leadership of our outstanding meteorological experts and representation via our creative team. It is a privilege to be able to be part of this exciting and dynamic company.’

Joseph France MMet

Head of Data Science

joseph@metswift.com

Joseph France (Applied Meteorology and Climate, MMet) is MetSwift’s foremost developer, managing all data acquisition and cleansing with comprehensive precision. He also oversees the development and testing of our range of statistical and predictive analytic models: Developing logic that, ensures users are accessing, via these models, the best and most relevant data for their requests.

Joseph has an integrated masters with the University of Reading, a world leader in Meteorology and Atmospheric studies, where he specialised in computational and numerical weather prediction. This included the self-led creation of physics-based atmospheric models.

During time spent at the University of Oklahoma, he developed an understanding of commercial forecasting, exploring how weather and commerce are interrelated. He has also developed models to predict wind power generation.

‘What we’re doing is interesting because we take complex ideas and information (about weather and natcat events and teleconnections) and present insight into these in a way that’s intuitive without losing any of that information. It’s a great challenge.

Working on this translation of complexity to simplicity on the scale our data and models cover, enabling accessible understanding, is very fulfilling.

I hope this also nudges people to look at the weather as an opportunity to be proactive in advance, rather than reactive. That people can use our software to – not only improve their current business – but also develop a greater understanding of how weather impacts their commercial processes, is a great thought.’

Kate Charles MSc

Content & Brand Manager

kate@metswift.com

Kate Charles (English Literature, BA; Critical Theory & Creative Writing, MSc; Psychotherapy, Dip) has over twelve years’ experience developing visual and written content for a diverse range of international clients, including the Olympic Games Committee, The Ashmolean Museum, Grey Goose Vodka and the King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture. Kate has been responsible for developing the public-facing content around MetSwift from scratch, and is currently evolving our brand identity, alongside other widespread content streams.

‘It’s great to be working with such a unique offer, with so many sources of inspiration. The subtleties of the science of meteorology, risk calculation and the very pervasiveness of weather & natcat are fascinating; as well as the aesthetic interest that maths & weather present. I enjoy the challenge of translating a complex offer into accessible & compelling content.

I find weather and meteorology fascinating and am interested in communicating the complexity of weather systems and their real impact to a variety of audiences.’

She is also an artist and writer.

Rebecca Lambrianou

Sales Specialist

rebecca@metswift.com

Rebecca has worked in sales for the past eight years, both business to business and consumer to consumer.

‘I currently work as a Sales Specialist at Metswift in the Re/Insurance sector, which means I am always in and out of the City for meetings. My favourite coffee shop in Bank is the Black Sheep under the Leadenhall building.

I enjoy working here as it’s an exciting place to be with so much happening, and constantly growing. Meeting clients and seeing their reaction to the software is amazing, knowing that we are changing the way that underwriters write weather-related policies.

Outside of work I enjoy creating social media. I have developed an online music and festival network of over 100,000 people.’