About msolv

Chairman

Phil has a degree in physics from Birmingham University and a DPhil in plasma Physics from Oxford University. He has dedicated his career to lasers and their industrial applications with over 30 papers published and over 30 patents on laser-matter interaction.

Phil began in high-power Nd:glass and CO2 lasers, serving as Deputy Head of the Laser Division and Head of the High Power Laser Group at the Rutherford Appleton Lab (RAL). There he was heavily involved with magnetic fusion reactor refuelling at the UK Atomic Energy Authority. Phil was also instrumental in the development and utilisation of the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC) VULCAN high-power laser facility.

In 1984 Phil founded Exitech, a decorated company known for commercialising the first EUV exposure tools. After their acquisition by Oerlikon, he served briefly as Business Development Manager before founding msolv®. Since the device manufacturing division of msolv® was spun off Phil has also been Managing Director of Axion Biosystems Manufacturing UK.

Managing Director

Adam is an experienced technical leader with over 20 years’ experience in laser equipment. He’s held many roles throughout his career spanning research and management, leading him into his current role as our Managing Director.

Adam studied his masters in physics at Oxford University and did a PhD in X-ray optics at Leicester University. He worked briefly as a lecturer for Leicester working on fundamental research and space projects. He became involved with NASA’s Chandra X-ray observatory, ESA’s Bepi Colombo and SVOM, the Sino-French multi-wavelength astronomy satellite. Adam left academia to join Phil’s company, Exitech, first working as Principle Development Engineer as they developed the first EUV tools. He then briefly moved into a commercial role at Media Lario Technologies that sold equipment to ASML, Intel & Nikon.

Adam joined msolv® as a Process Development Manager before being promoted to Senior Technologist focusing on thin-film PV applications. Over the years he’s managed the process engineering & sales departments as well as the business development team which included device manufacturing and R&D teams. Adam’s experience in supporting all aspects of the business, led him to become msolv®’s Chief Operating Officer and into his current role in 2024.

Director of Operations & Finance

Steven has a solid background in mechanical production engineering with a progressive career taking him into executive management. Beginning his journey with a solid foundation in manufacturing process roles, Steven swiftly moved through the ranks into manufacturing and then operations management. His career has been marked by a series of strategic leaps that have led him to C-suite roles, where his innovative approach and commitment to excellence continue to drive organisational success.

Before joining msolv® in 2024, Steven played a pivotal role in steering Sunpower Group Holdings toward unprecedented growth, first as Director of Operations and later as COO. His expertise in supply chain management, strategic procurement and financial oversight has been critical in enhancing the company’s profitability and optimising performance. His earlier roles include his tenure as Operations Manager at Bremont Watch Company, increasing production capability and establishing a new UK manufacturing unit, significant accomplishments at Siemens Hearing Instruments where he led efforts to implement rapid (SLA) manufacturing processes and Airtex Products, expanding their manufacturing base into China.

Technology Director

David Milne earned his degree in Applied Physics from Portsmouth University, and has worked in the field of laser micromachining and equipment for over 25 years.

David began his career in the industry with a variety of positions held at Exitech Ltd, working with excimer and solid-state lasers. He was seconded to Semiconductor Leading Edge Technologies (Selete) in Tsukuba, Japan, working as a Senior Systems Engineer for Exitech KK before being promoted to Service & Support Manager. David returned to the UK five years later to became Senior Technologist at Oerlikon Optics. 

David joined msolv® early on, coming straight into the senior management team, as Laser Process and R&D Manager. He has had a number of roles over the years from Systems Engineering Manager, Director of Systems Technology, and then Chief Technologist. He now has responsibility over all aspects of technology and engineering as Technology Director at msolv®.