Andrew James Shields is Vice President of Toshiba Europe, where for more than two decades he has led the research, development, and commercialisation of quantum technologies. He was responsible for launching Toshiba’s first quantum key distribution (QKD) products in 2020, which are now deployed across telecom networks worldwide, and has been instrumental in translating fundamental quantum photonics research into globally deployed secure communication systems. He is a founder member and former Chair of the ETSI Industry Specification Group for QKD, helping establish the world’s first industrial standards for quantum communications.
An internationally recognised pioneer in semiconductor quantum photonics and quantum communications, Shields has authored more than 500 scientific publications and filed an extensive patent portfolio. His contributions include the first electrically-driven sources of single‑photons and entangled light, as well as landmark advances in long‑distance QKD. He is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Institute of Physics, and a recipient of the Institute of Physics’ Mott and Katharine Burr Blodgett Medals for his leadership in quantum technologies.
Professional position
- Vice-President, Toshiba Europe Ltd
