Team

Arben Kane

Founder and CEO

Arben Kane is a seasoned entrepreneur and technology expert, boasting over 20 years of experience in the field. As the founder and CEO of Kontur.io, a geospatial analytics platform, Arben has led the development of groundbreaking solutions for global disaster management in partnership with the Hawaii-based PDC Global. His strong technical background includes founding three additional companies: Ozolio, FlikMedia, and iRAPP. Arben holds dual B.S. degrees in Logistics and Computer Science and has been awarded four U.S. patents in interactive video viewing and media data processing.

Darafei Praliaskouski

Head of Product Development

A renowned expert in cartography and GIS, Darafei Praliaskouski has significantly contributed to the OpenStreetMap Foundation (OSMF) since 2010 and is a prominent figure in the open-source community. At Kontur, Darafei’s vast experience in geospatial projects is utilized as Head of Product Development, where he collaborates with clients to deliver tailored geospatial solutions. Previously, he has worked with major technology companies such as Juno, Wargaming, and MAPS.ME.

Noel Gorelick

Chief Technology Officer

Dr. Noel Gorelick is a scientist and software engineer with several decades of experience in large scale analysis of satellite data. He worked on 7 NASA spacecraft missions to the Moon, Mars and Saturn, and is one of the founders of Google Earth Engine, a planetary-scale data analysis platform embraced by more than 500,000 users around the world. As Chief Extraterrestrial Observer at Google, he helps scientists, governments, and NGOs use it to address some of society’s biggest challenges like drought, disaster, disease and deforestation.

Thomas Phillips

Chief Data & Analytics Officer

Thomas Phillips, based in Zurich, Switzerland, is currently a Head Geo at Swiss Re Management Ltd. Thomas Phillips brings experience from previous roles at Swiss Re Corporate Solutions, ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Astrodynamics Research (CCAR) and Blue Marble Microinsurance. Thomas Phillips holds a Certificate in Advanced Studies in Informatics @ ETH Zürich. With a robust skill set that includes R, Index Based Weather Insurance, Hydrology, National Catastrophe, Sales and more.