Hexagon AB has officially announced the esteemed board of directors for its eagerly anticipated spin-off company, Octave Intelligence plc. This strategic move assembles a formidable group of senior leaders, boasting extensive experience in cultivating and managing global technology platforms, scaling enterprise software ventures, fortifying operational resilience, and governing public companies across both industrial and digital landscapes.
Meet Octave’s Inaugural Board of Directors: A Blend of Vision and Expertise
The newly appointed Octave Board is a testament to Hexagon’s commitment to robust leadership, bringing together diverse talents poised to guide Octave Intelligence to new heights.
Brett D. Watson, Chair of the Board of Directors
Mr. Watson, President of Koch Equity, LLC, commands a vast portfolio of Koch-affiliated investment groups. As Vice President, Equity Development at Koch, Inc., he oversees corporate development and M&A activities. His profound expertise in capital allocation, business scaling, and board leadership is invaluable, cultivated through current directorships at Getty Images, Infor, MITER Brands, Molex, and Transaction Network Services. He previously served on the Hexagon AB board from 2021 to 2024.
Magnus Ahlqvist, Director
Since 2018, Magnus Ahlqvist has served as President and CEO of Securitas AB, orchestrating significant transformations in the company’s global service operations. His deep international operating experience stems from senior leadership roles at Motorola Mobility, Sony, and Ericsson, complemented by extensive global business management acumen. He also chairs the International Security Ligue.
David J. Hollister, Director
A highly experienced financial executive, Mr. Hollister brings a wealth of knowledge in financial management, operations, and investment oversight. His distinguished career includes senior leadership positions at Bentley Systems, where he served as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operations Advancement Officer, and Chief Investment Officer. He currently contributes to the board of iDEAL Semiconductor and the advisory board for InEight Software, and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Meerah Rajavel, Director
As Chief Information Officer of Palo Alto Networks, Ms. Rajavel is a recognized authority in cybersecurity, information technology, and digital transformation. Her extensive operating and governance experience is drawn from previous CIO roles and public company board service, including tenure on audit and compensation committees.
Jill D. Smith, Director
Ms. Smith is a seasoned leader with over three decades of experience guiding and governing global technology and data-driven companies. Notably, she previously chaired the board of AspenTech. A former chief executive officer, she currently serves on the boards of Securitas AB, Evolent Health, Check Point Software, and MDA Space, having also served on the Hexagon AB board from 2013 to 2017.
Mattias Stenberg, Director
Mr. Stenberg, the Chief Executive Officer of Octave, previously led Hexagon’s Asset Lifecycle Intelligence and Safety, Infrastructure & Geospatial divisions. His background at Hexagon AB includes pivotal roles in strategy, M&A, and corporate development, and he currently serves on the board of Sinch AB.
It is important to note that all board members, with the exception of Mr. Stenberg, are expected to qualify as independent directors under the listing rules of both the Nasdaq Global Select Market and Nasdaq OMX Stockholm.
A Vision for Resilience and Long-Term Value
“Octave is entering the market with a Board that reflects the scale, responsibility, and operational rigor required to support customers running mission critical assets,” stated Brett Watson, Chair of the Octave Board. “This group brings real operating experience across industrial markets and software platforms, along with disciplined capital allocation and governance. We share the goal of building a resilient, independent company dedicated to delivering durable, long-term value creation.”
Mattias Stenberg, Octave’s CEO and director, echoed this sentiment, adding, “It is a privilege to work with a Board of this caliber. Their depth of experience raises the bar on how we operate and ultimately makes us better partners to the customers who depend on our platforms every day.”
The newly formed Board will play a crucial role in steering Octave’s mission: to deliver cutting-edge solutions that empower asset owners and operators with the intelligence and insights needed to enhance safety, uptime, sustainability, and long-term performance across vital sectors such as energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, utilities, and the public sector.
The separation, spin-off, and listing of Octave remain part of an ongoing process, contingent on final approval from the Hexagon board and shareholders, alongside various other conditions, consents, and regulatory approvals. As such, there is no absolute guarantee that the separation, spin-off, or listing will ultimately occur.

