Meet The Team

Mark Donaldson is a recognised authority in active noise control with over 20 years of experience in audio technology and embedded systems. As founder and CEO of SoundChip SA, he pioneered advanced solutions across silicon, software, and acoustics, building the company into a global leader before its acquisition by DSP Group, now part of Synaptics. At Sonexos, he leads the commercialisation of its plasma-based solutions for advanced noise control in automotive, industrial, and consumer markets. He holds First Class Honours and Master’s degrees (with Distinction) in Mechanical Engineering and Digital Signal Processing from the University of Auckland and has been recognised by Unlimited and the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award in Technology.

Andrea Onetti is a seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience in the audio semiconductor and MEMS industries, combining deep technical expertise with strong leadership in global operations. As Executive Vice President at STMicroelectronics, he led the company’s global business in audio ICs, MEMS microphones, sensors, and signal processing. His background spans low-power analog and digital design, MEMS sensors, RF, and audio amplification. At Sonexos, Andrea leads manufacturing and commercialisation, advancing the industrialisation of its Plasmapanel and Plasmadrive technologies and scaling production through advanced processes and strategic partnerships. He holds a Master’s degree in Electronic Engineering from the University of Pavia.

Dr. Stanislav Sergeev is a leading expert in advanced acoustics and plasma physics. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT), focusing on cold atmospheric plasma applications. He began his career at Schlumberger, working on acoustics-based oil well monitoring technologies. Stanislav earned his PhD at EPFL in Switzerland, where he introduced the concept of plasmacoustic metalayers—a novel approach to sound control using ionised air interactions. His pioneering work, recognised by the ABB Research Award, has been published in leading journals, including the Nature portfolio. In 2023, he joined Sonexos to lead the development of plasmacoustic sound control technologies and holds multiple patents in the field.

Dr. Ben Skelton is an experienced technology leader with over 25 years in the automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics sectors. He specialises in bringing emerging technologies to market, combining strategic product development with operational discipline. As co-founder of SoundChip SA, he led the creation of advanced audio solutions and production systems adopted by global OEMs, culminating in the company’s acquisition by DSP Group, now part of Synaptics. He later served as Chief Applications Architect at DSP Group, aligning software and system design with next-generation audio strategies. At Sonexos, Ben guides product innovation, software engineering, and industrialisation. He holds a doctorate in Engineering from the University of Canterbury.

Jonathan Beuchat is a Swiss finance and investment professional specialising in the strategic growth and financial structuring of high-potential startups. He is the founder of Close Ventures, a firm dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs in fundraising, financial planning, and strategic exits. Jonathan also co-founded DYN Group, a leading provider of accounting, finance, tax, and insurance services, helping startups implement lean financial management solutions. Fluent in English, French, and Spanish, he brings a global perspective and a pragmatic, results-driven approach. At Sonexos, Jonathan applies his expertise in finance, investment strategy, and corporate governance to support the company’s growth and long-term success.

Dr. Hervé Lissek has been leading the Acoustics Research Group at EPFL for two decades, focusing on electroacoustics, active noise control, and signal processing. His innovations include the “electroacoustic absorber,” which turns loudspeakers into low-frequency absorbers, the “electroacoustic metamaterial,” which redefines acoustic physics with small speaker arrays, and the “plasmacoustic metalayer,” using ionized air to absorb sound. Dr. Lissek has collaborated with industry leaders like Safran Group, Stellantis, PSI Audio, Sonova, and Logitech. He has published approximately 100 scientific papers and holds 10 patent families.

Dr. Duleepa J. Thrimawithana earned his BE in Electrical Engineering (First Class Honors) in 2005 and his Ph.D. in Power Electronics in 2009 from the University of Auckland. From 2005 to 2008, he worked as a Research Engineer with Tru-Test Ltd., focusing on power converters and high-voltage pulse generators. Since 2009, he has been an Associate Professor at the University of Auckland. Dr. Thrimawithana has co-authored over 100 publications and holds 25 patent families in wireless power transfer. In 2014, he received the Jim and Hazel D. Lord Fellowship for his contributions as an early-career researcher. His research areas include wireless power transfer, power electronics, cryogenic electronics, and renewable energy.

Mike Klasco holds a B.S. in Physics from Brooklyn College and began his career in transducer and acoustic materials engineering. In 1984, he founded Menlo Scientific Ltd., a consulting firm specialising in materials, components, and manufacturing technologies for the audio and consumer electronics industries. Over four decades, he has advised more than 200 companies worldwide on loudspeaker design, magnetic systems, acoustic materials, and advanced manufacturing. He has authored over 300 technical publications, contributed extensively to audioXpress and Voice Coil, and presented at major international audio conferences. At Sonexos, Mike advises on advanced materials, acoustic components, and the audio supply chain.