Unrivaled Experience and Expertise
The COAST Autonomous Executive Management Team
DAVID M. HICKEY
Chairman and CEO
David M. Hickey is a visionary business and legal executive with a proven track record of delivering transformative growth and value creation at the nexus of business, technology, and law. Over the past 30+ years, David has spearheaded the successful launch and management of international operations across the US, UK, and Asia, consistently driving expansion, profitability, and operational excellence for industry-leading organizations. As a strategic board member for high-growth companies—including market leaders in the transportation sector—David brings unparalleled expertise in corporate governance, risk management, and scaling innovative ventures. He is renowned for architecting and executing technology-driven, process-based solutions that streamline operations, maximize efficiency, and dramatically reduce both systematic and unsystematic risks, resulting in substantial cost savings and enhanced shareholder value. David has received degrees in Finance and Economics from Georgetown University and a Juris Doctor from Stanford Law School. His unique blend of legal acumen, financial insight, and technological foresight positions him as a catalyst for sustainable growth and a trusted advisor to investors seeking exceptional returns in dynamic markets.
ADRIAN SUSSMANN
President and CFO
Adrian Sussmann is one of the founders of COAST and has over 30 years of business and management experience. Prior to COAST, Sussmann has represented some of the world's top race car drivers including Formula 1 driver Sergio Perez, 3-time Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti and 2-time Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon. Sussmann is a qualified chartered accountant, speaks fluent French and has a degree in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Urban Transportation from the University of Edinburgh, which included a year at the University of Pennsylvania.
PIERRE LEFEVRE
CTO and Board Member
Pierre Lefèvre has more than thirty years of automation, communications, and software development experience. At COAST, Pierre leads an elite team developing commercial-ready vehicle automation and remote supervision systems on various vehicle platforms. Operating self-driving shuttles in public demonstrations and pilots throughout Europe and the US since 2010, Pierre has demonstrated autonomous vehicle expertise by competing in the 2007 DARPA Grand Challenge and going on to develop the first commercial driverless passenger vehicle.
The COAST Autonomous Team
DR. CYRIL ROYERE
Robotics Chief
Cyril Royere holds a PhD in automation and signal processing. He has created multiple sensor fusion systems to automate vehicle object detection, decision making, and control. He has extensive knowledge developing remote supervisory systems. Before joining COAST as Robotics Chief, Cyril was head of robotics at Induct, where he oversaw the development of the first fully self-driving shuttle. Prior to Induct, he was a project manager at the Livic Laboratory where he helped create a low-speed collision prevention system. Cyril has an advanced degree in Automation and Digital Signal Processing and a Doctorate in Systems Control from Compiègne Technology University.
AIMIE NGHIEM
VP - Operations & Development
Aimie Nghiem has been a driving force behind COAST’s growth and operational excellence since 2017. With a Juris Doctor from New York Law School, Aimie leverages her legal expertise to streamline operations, optimize processes, and deliver results that set COAST apart in the autonomous vehicle industry. Renowned for her versatility, Aimie leads cross-functional teams and spearheads high-impact initiatives that have transformed COAST’s operational capabilities. She has developed and implemented strategies that have boosted efficiency, improved collaboration, and accelerated the launch of new projects, ensuring COAST remains agile and competitive in the fast-paced, complex market. Aimie’s leadership style is hands-on and solutions-oriented. She excels at building strong partnerships, managing complex projects, and fostering a culture of innovation and accountability. Her strategic vision and operational acumen have been instrumental in scaling the company’s success and positioning COAST as an industry leader. Having consistently delivered exceptional results in dynamic environments, Aimie is always ready to take on new initiatives that drive meaningful impact. Her combination of legal insight, operational expertise, and relentless drive make her a standout leader in the field.
Industry Visionaries and Thought Leaders
COAST Autonomous Advisory Board
DARIO FRANCHITTI
3-Time Indianapolis 500 Winner
Dario Franchitti is a three-time Indianapolis 500 winner and four-time IndyCar Series champion from Edinburgh, Scotland. Dario raced in the IndyCar Series between 1997 and 2013 and was known for his smooth style, blistering speed and intelligence under pressure. Taking the “checkered flag” 31 times in IndyCar, Dario also enjoyed success in sports cars, winning the prestigious Daytona 24 hour race and the 12 Hours of Sebring. Dario is now enjoying a second career as an announcer on TV. Dario is a co-commentator on the host television commentary team for the new all-electric racing series, ABB FIA Formula E Championship (broadcast around the world on FOX Sports, Channel 5, CCTV-5, Eurosport, Viasat, Canal+ / Sport+, Energy (Spain), TV Asahi, Tring, and Ziggo Sport Totaal). Dario’s sporting achievements have also been recognized on the Queen’s Honours List, and he was presented with an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) at Buckingham Palace in November 2014.
DR. MARCO PAVONE
Stanford University Professor
Dr. Marco Pavone is an Assistant Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Stanford University, where he is the Director of Stanford’s Autonomous Systems Laboratory (ASL). The goal of ASL is the development of methodologies for the analysis, design and control of autonomous systems, with an emphasis on self-driving vehicles, autonomous aerospace vehicles, and large-scale robotic networks. Before joining Stanford University, Dr. Pavone was a Research Technologist within the Robotics Section at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. He received a Ph.D. degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2010. Dr. Pavone is a recipient of several awards, including a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers -- the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on early-career scientists and engineers.
RICK BAKER
Former Mayor of St. Petersburg
Rick Baker has been a business acquisition lawyer, a law firm president, a university vice president and president of a St. Petersburg-based development and entertainment company. From 2001 to 2010, he served as mayor of St. Petersburg - Florida’s fourth largest city. Baker holds a B.S., MBA, and Juris Doctor (with honors) from Florida State University, where he was Senior Class President. He studied comparative law at Oxford University. He has authored three books: Mangroves to Major League in 2000, a history of St. Petersburg; The Seamless City in 2011, about city leadership and urban revitalization; and Beyond the Sunshine in 2018, a timeline history of Florida.
ALLAN MCNISH
3-Time 24 Hours of Le Mans Champion
With a highly-successful career spanning karting to Formula One, including three victories at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans and winning the FIA WEC World Championship, Allan McNish is one of the most respected and liked personalities in the dynamic and competitive world of motorsport. Rarely seen without a smile on his face, Allan has always been one of motorsport’s most naturally engaging and entertaining characters, making him a favourite of media and fans alike. Off-track, this has led to media roles with BBC F1, BBC Radio 5 Live, Sky Sports F1 and SPEED TV, where he has shared his sporting insight with millions of viewers and listeners. In addition to his on-track success and media activities, Allan helps companies engage their respective target audiences through marketing and communications campaigns. One of motorsport's most interesting drivers, Allan is adept at sharing stories from his fascinating life with stakeholders from all walks of life, and has considerable experience hosting corporate events, along with motivational speaking and team-building activities. To succeed in business, you need to be psychologically prepared, and Allan can provide a unique insight into the mental preparation required to be a winner! Allan is at home whether behind the wheel of his high-tech race machinery, fulfilling media commitments or representing global brands such as Audi in television advertising campaigns. COAST is fortunate to welcome such a dynamic and irresistible force to the team.