Leadership Team
Meet Our Leadership Team
At HelpaNow, our leadership team brings together a wealth of expertise in AI, technology, and business operations. United by a shared commitment to innovation, they drive our mission to deliver safe, reliable, and groundbreaking AI solutions.
1. Chief Executive Officer (CEO): James Cottrell
James is the visionary behind HelpaNow. With over 20 years of experience in the tech industry, he has a proven track record of building and scaling successful businesses. James’s strategic leadership has been instrumental in our growth, from our establishment five years ago to becoming a trusted partner for public and private sector clients. His ability to anticipate market trends ensures we remain at the forefront of AI innovation.
2. Chief Technology Officer (CTO): Dr. Marcus Johnson
Marcus leads the development and implementation of our cutting-edge AI technologies. With a PhD in Computer Science from a top UK university and a career spanning over 15 years including Data Analytics, AI and machine learning, Marcus is a recognised thought leader in the field. His focus on safe, scalable, and user-centric solutions underpins our commitment to delivering AI agents free from hallucinations and tailored to real-world applications.
3. Chief Operating Officer (COO): Sarah Lillingston
Sarah oversees our day-to-day operations, ensuring that we deliver excellence at every stage of our projects. With a background in operational leadership across the UK public and private sectors, Sarah has a deep understanding of the unique challenges our clients face. Her expertise in process optimisation and client engagement ensures we meet and exceed expectations every time.
4. Director of Conversational Design: Mark Henshaw
Mark is at the helm of our conversational design efforts, shaping AI interactions that are natural, intuitive, and effective. With over 10 years of experience in user experience (UX) design and a passion for human-computer interaction, Mark brings a creative yet analytical approach to every project. His team’s work is the foundation of our reputation for outstanding usability and user satisfaction.
5. Head of Research and Development (R&D): Dr. Priya Banerjee
Priya drives our innovation strategy, leading a team dedicated to exploring the next frontier of AI technology. With extensive experience in AI ethics and data science, she ensures that our solutions are not only cutting-edge but also aligned with the highest standards of safety and responsibility. Her leadership in R&D underpins our commitment to continuous improvement and long-term success.
Why Our Leadership Matters
The combined expertise of our leadership team ensures we deliver AI solutions that are as innovative as they are dependable. Their diverse skill sets and shared commitment to excellence drive our mission to empower organisations across the UK.