Meet The POLARIS Team

Joanna Davies served for 30 years in the Royal Canadian Navy as a Naval Warfare Officer before transitioning to senior roles in shipbuilding and business development. She has worked across the Canadian and international defence and security landscape, helping companies navigate procurement, position for growth, and engage effectively with government and industry.

Joanna is widely recognized for her ability to build trusted relationships, connect the right people, and open doors that matter. With one of the broadest and most respected networks in the sector, she brings unparalleled insight into defence procurement, program alignment, and strategic engagement.

A strong advocate for collaboration and capability, Joanna co-founded Polaris Advantage Inc. in response to a need for transformation — for when Canada needs trusted guidance, real action, and grounded expertise to meet its evolving marine, and defence and security needs.

joanna@polarisadvantage.ca

Iain Whyte is versatile senior leader and strategist with extensive experience in defence, security, and advanced technology sectors with a proven track record in leading high-performing teams, driving business growth, and shaping strategic direction in complex operational environments. He brings a unique blend of military, government, and industry expertise spanning a 30-year career in the Royal Navy, and subsequently in strategy consultancy and innovative technology companies. Iain has demonstrated success in securing major defence and government contracts and delivering solutions that enhance operational effectiveness, sustainment and resilience. A trusted advisor skilled at building partnerships across international defence and industrial communities, he is passionate about advancing technological innovation, leadership development, and sustainable growth in the defence, naval, and marine sectors. He holds postgraduate qualifications in both Defence Studies and Information Technology (Human Computer Interaction) and is a Fellow of the UK Institute of Leadership.  

Marc Batsford brings over four decades of naval, engineering, and shipbuilding expertise to Polaris Advantage Inc. A graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada, he served 36 years in the Royal Canadian Navy, including as Engineering Officer aboard HMCS FREDERICTON and as Canada’s Naval Attaché to the United States.

Marc has held senior roles in both public and private sectors, including Deputy Commander of Canada’s west coast ship repair facility, Director of Ship Repair at Irving Shipbuilding Inc., and Business Developer at GeoSpectrum Technologies. His leadership spans technical, operational, and diplomatic domains — with deep knowledge of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy and sustainment priorities.

Known for his steady judgment, practical insight, and collaborative mindset, Marc supports POLARIS clients with engineering-driven strategies and credible engagement across Canada’s marine and defence ecosystems.

Gary Beels is a Royal Navy veteran with more than 40 years of experience in the marine sector. Over 27 years in uniform, he served in nuclear-powered submarines, surface combatants, and deployed to Afghanistan as Operations Officer for the UK Medical Regiment. After moving to Canada, Gary re-established his focus in submarines, serving as Company Chief Engineer at Babcock Canada Inc. for more than eight years before becoming build Chief Engineer for the Joint Support Ship (JSS) Program at Seaspan ULC.

Gary founded Submarine Whisperer Consulting with the mission “Experience That Goes Beneath the Surface,” bringing deep expertise across defence, marine, nuclear, and education sectors.

At POLARIS ADVANTAGE Inc., Gary supports clients with deep technical insight and program experience in submarine and naval engineering, strengthening our ability to deliver trusted, practical solutions across the defence and marine enterprise.

Ian Wood is a seasoned former Naval Officer with at-sea command experience and a strategic analyst with over 35 years of Canadian and international leadership experience. He has served in senior defence, diplomatic, and advisory roles — including as Naval Attaché to the United States and as a strategic analyst supporting NATO on future security and capability planning.

Combining military, diplomatic, and academic experience, Ian brings deep expertise in defence strategy, threat assessment, and capability development. He is skilled at evaluating defence and corporate viability, technical readiness, and dual-use technologies to address evolving security challenges. 

Recognized for his professionalism, mentorship, and published contributions to leadership and technical fields, Ian helps senior leaders and innovators bridge ideas, policy, and implementation to advance capability and resilience across the defence and marine sectors.

At POLARIS ADVANTAGE Inc., he supports clients with strategic analysis, capability development, and informed engagement across the defence and marine sectors.

Colin Cooke brings a wealth of experience and insight into Canada’s marine sector, shaped by years of engagement at every level — from industry leadership to direct collaboration with government, suppliers, and operators.  Colin is widely recognized as a national voice for the sector and a strong advocate for its modernization and growth.

Colin operates with a clear understanding of both strategic direction and on-the-ground realities. He is deeply engaged with stakeholders across the full spectrum — from senior policymakers to the front lines of Canadian shipbuilding and marine operations. A firm believer in a Team Canada approach, Colin sees this as a pivotal moment for Canada’s marine sector: one that demands collaboration, clarity, and bold new thinking. He co-founded Polaris Advantage Inc. to help deliver exactly that — practical, high-impact support to clients navigating a changing and opportunity-rich landscape.

​

colin@polarisadvantage.ca

Dr. Theodora Alexakis is a seasoned technology executive, engineer, and sustainability expert with over 30 years of experience in innovation, business development, and environmental solutions. She has led development and commercialization efforts for cutting-edge technologies in the marine and defence sectors, including as Vice President at Terragon Environmental Technologies.

A passionate advocate for responsible innovation and education, Theodora advises organizations on emerging technologies, sustainable practices and regulatory issues while mentoring the next generation as Entrepreneur-in-Residence at McGill University. She holds a B.Eng., M.Eng., and a PhD in Chemical Engineering from McGill and is a member of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec. 

At POLARIS ADVANTAGE Inc., Theodora brings a unique blend of technical depth, market insight, and purpose-driven leadership to help clients pursue cleaner, smarter, and more strategic solutions.

Keith Whittingstall is business development expert with over two decades of composites technology experience helping companies scale high-performance materials solutions across Canada and the northern United States. With a deep understanding of advanced manufacturing and supply chains, Keith has managed major commercial accounts and built a reputation for integrity, responsiveness, and results.

Keith thrives at the intersection of innovation and implementation — known for his ability to problem-solve in real time, develop practical strategies, and forge lasting client relationships.

At POLARIS ADVANTAGE Inc., Keith supports clients navigating materials innovation, industrial partnerships, and dual-use opportunities across defence, marine, and adjacent sectors.

Captain Anthony (Tony) Potts brings over four decades of leadership in Canadian Coast Guard operations, fleet management, and Arctic programs. A Master Mariner, he has commanded Canada’s light, medium, and heavy icebreakers — including CCGS Terry Fox and Louis S. St-Laurent — delivering missions across the Arctic and North Atlantic, from SAR to ocean science and northern resupply.

Ashore, Tony held senior management and technical roles shaping Canada’s modern fleet, including Director of Operations (Maritimes Region), Senior Project Director for the design of Canada’s first Polar Icebreaker, and operational lead for the $15.7B 2018 Fleet Renewal Plan.

A respected advisor and educator, he has lectured on advanced ice operations for the RCN and Chilean Navy and is active in professional organizations including SNAME, the Company of Master Mariners of Canada and the Nautical Institute.

At POLARIS ADVANTAGE Inc., Tony provides seasoned insight on Coast Guard operations, fleet renewal, and Arctic capability development — bridging technical expertise with strategic vision for Canada’s marine future.