Surghive names technology entrepreneur as chair

Teesside-based robotic surgery training technology company Surghive has appointed British technology entrepreneur Andy Wood as chair to support its commercial development and growth ambitions.

Andy brings more than 40 years’ experience building, leading and chairing technology businesses across sectors including computer vision, animation, video games and emerging technology.

He previously served as president and executive chairman of Cubic Motion, overseeing its acquisition by Epic Games in 2020.

His career also includes senior leadership roles at Image Metrics, Airship Interactive and WholeWorldBand.

In July 2026, Andy received the Climb Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his contribution to technology, entrepreneurship and the creative industries.

At Surghive, he will work alongside chief executive Dr Rachael Coates, Professor Deena Harji and chief operating officer Christi Anderson, supporting commercial strategy, governance, investment and strategic partnerships.

Andy said: “Surghive is being built from inside surgery by people who understand the training challenge first hand.

“Having seen personally how much skilled clinical care matters, I find the purpose behind this work particularly meaningful.

“The clinical authority of Rachael and Deena, together with the ambition and adaptability of the wider team, were important reasons for my joining.

“I have spent much of my career helping ambitious technology businesses turn difficult ideas into products, customers and sustainable value.

“My role is to help Surghive develop the commercial focus and governance, attract the right investment and build the strategic relationships required to give this important opportunity every chance of becoming a significant international business.”

Dr Coates added: “Andy brings a rare combination of technology, commercial and leadership experience.

“He understands how an emerging technology company moves from an ambitious idea towards a focused and sustainable business. 

“His experience, independent judgement and relationships will be enormously valuable as we develop Surghive.

“His appointment is an important moment for the company and we are delighted to welcome him as chairman.”

Surghive is developing manufacturer-independent immersive software designed to help robotic surgeons and surgical teams train across different robotic systems.

Its platform combines clinical expertise with interactive technology to provide accessible and scalable surgical training.

Andy’s appointment comes as Surghive continues developing its platform, gathering supporting evidence and engaging with prospective customers and partners.

Professor Harji added: “Surghive is grounded in genuine clinical need. 

“Andy’s commercial and technology experience complements our clinical expertise and strengthens our ability to build a company capable of delivering meaningful change in robotic surgery training.”

Christi added: “Andy’s appointment adds considerable strategic and commercial experience at an important stage for Surghive.

“His understanding of how technology businesses develop, attract investment and build the foundations for sustainable growth will be extremely valuable as we turn our clinical vision into a focused and commercially viable company.”

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.