SYSTEL - Key Persons


Aneesh Kothari - CMO

Job Titles:
  • VP Marketing
Aneesh has led the marketing department for the past ten (10) years, overseeing demand generation, product management, brand management, and communications. He has extensive experience in the computer hardware industry and holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and an M.B.A. from Rice University in Houston, Texas. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, with weekends full of playdates, art projects, outdoor activities, and countless episodes of Bluey. His 2023 New Year's Resolutions are to drink 100 oz of water a day and read 30 new books.

Brad Phillips

Job Titles:
  • VP Engineering
Brad has over thirty (30) years of progressive engineering leadership experience supporting a variety of United States Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, and IT Industry customers as an Engineering Executive with a demonstrated history of solving challenging issues using innovative and cost-effective solutions throughout his career. He earned a bachelor's degree in Electronic Engineering from Chapman University and a Master's degree in Telecommunications from Denver University. When not working, he enjoys traveling and experiencing different cultures through adventure travel and staying fit by hiking nature trails and working his way up the pickleball skills ladder.

Craig Powell

Job Titles:
  • Director of Business Development
As the primary Director of Business Development for Army and strategic customer partnerships, Craig drives the acceleration of Systel's growth trajectory by executing an effective capture strategy necessary for long-term pipeline expansion and winning new business primarily in the C5ISR and combat vehicle domains. In addition, he plays a critical voice-of-the-customer role informing Systel's new product development. Craig has over thirty-three (33) years' experience in the defense industry; thirteen (13) of which serving in the Canadian Army as an Armor Officer with two of Canada's finest armor regiments; Lord Strathcona's Horse (RC) and the 8 th Canadian Hussars (PL). He holds a BBA from Radford University, Radford Virginia, and is a graduate of the Canadian Land Forces Command and Staff College. Craig and his wife enjoy the outdoors especially camping and enjoying the National Parks.

Danielle Martinez

Job Titles:
  • Inside Sales
Danielle was excited to join the Systel team in 2022 as Inside Sales Support for Navy programs. She has over ten (10) years worth of experience in sales, purchasing, customer service, and management. She is dedicated to ensuring the best experience for any Systel customers in need of our products. At home, she is a devoted mother, step mother, and grandmother, and enjoys spending time with her family, cooking new meals, playing with the family dog, and going on outings in the Houston community with friends.

Frances Sharp

Job Titles:
  • Inside Sales
Frances provides Inside Sales support for Commercial and Army programs. Fourteen (14) years of sales, customer service and product management experience aid in her pursuit to ensure her customers are delighted with their Systel Experience. Her favorite quote is the master himself: "Do or Do Not. There is no ‘try'." - Yoda. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing, digital art, and photography.

Hansa Kothari - Founder

Job Titles:
  • Co - Founder
  • Finance
Hansa is the co-founder of Systel and currently heads the Finance department. She has a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Bombay University and an M.B.A. from the University of Houston. She is an avid reader, loves to cook, and most of all is passionate about travel.

Jacob Evans

Job Titles:
  • VP Operations
Jacob has over fifteen (15) years of experience leading a wide variety of operations teams, using LEAN, Six Sigma, and cross departmental collaboration to drive improvements in supply chain, logistics, production, and quality. Jacob earned his B.S. in electrical engineering from Brigham Young University and began his career as an engineer at Morotola Semiconductor before receiving an M.B.A. from the University of North Carolina. Outside of work he has published a trilogy of kids novels and visited 48 of the 50 U.S. states. He enjoys basketball, disc golf, and exploring new places with his beautiful wife and six wonderful children.

James Kwon

Job Titles:
  • VP Sales
James joined Systel in 2004, and for past twelve plus (12+) years, he has led the sales department, overseeing direct sales, business development, and program management. Embracing the core values of Passion for Improvement and Fanatical Customer Service, he has been instrumental in increasing program wins and seeding and expanding Systel's product portfolio into numerous verticals within the defense and commercial sectors. He holds a bachelor's degree in Natural Science from the University of Texas at Austin and an M.B.A. from Rice University in Houston, Texas. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children along with sporting activities such as swimming, tennis, and running.

Jay Williamson

Job Titles:
  • Program Manager
Jay is the Program Manager for U.S. Army Systems at Systel, where he has been part of the team for four (4) years. With over seventeen (17) years of experience in supporting DoD customers, he is dedicated to providing the best equipment for our warfighters. Jay has a passion for emerging technologies and brings this drive to his work, always striving to stay ahead of the curve. A Texas native and Texas A&M University alum, Jay enjoys the outdoors with his family, hunting and fishing with his son, and boating with his wife and daughter.

Kevin Leitch

Job Titles:
  • Director of Business Development
Kevin heads Systel's business development effort across several international segments, including defense, aerospace, and commercial-industrial channels. In the US, he leads our US Army Aviation, and our US Army Missiles & Space business development. Kevin has extensive experience in aerospace & defense and holds a bachelor's degree in aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL, an M.B.A. from Benedictine Catholic University, Chicago, and a doctoral degree from the University of Southern California. Outside of work, he serves in the Army Reserves and enjoys spending time with his family and their German Shepherd Dogs, planning and sometimes even executing home projects. A life-long learner, Kevin is also a licensed pilot.

Michael Ponder

Job Titles:
  • Program Manager
Michael is the program manager for U.S. Air Force systems at Systel. He has twenty-five (25) years of professional experience spanning multiple industries. He has held positions in large companies performing QA/QC for large building projects, and has been a CAD/GIS Administrator. He began working at Systel in 2007 as a Draftsman/Modeler, moved up thru engineering and is currently a PMP certified Program Manager. Outside of work Michael enjoys hunting, fishing, Ice Hockey, and working on classic vehicles.

Michael Prather

Job Titles:
  • Inside Sales
Michael joined Systel in 2017 as an Inside Sales Support team member, working with multiple program managers to assist in quoting and creating systems for various commercial, governmental and international customers. He has over twenty-five (25) years of experience in sales and customer service, dating back to his first job as a grocery store cashier. Michael has an avid interest in evolving computer technology, always looking for new and innovative ways to incorporate the latest hardware into a computer system. He holds a bachelor's degree in Communications - PR/Advertising from the University of Houston with a minor in Film Studies. He is an avid fan of music, movies, science fiction and the Houston Astros. Outside of Systel, he usually can be found attending live concerts and baseball games, and keeping up with the latest adventures of The Mandalorian (and Grogu).

Sam Inthirath

Job Titles:
  • Program Manager for US Commercial
  • Program Manager U.S. Commercial ( Non - DoD )
Sam is the Program Manager for US Commercial (non-DoD) systems at Systel. Sam has been in the technical sales for the past fifteen (15) years from oil & gas, law enforcement, DOD, and commercial fields. He is also a prior service US Marine with a bachelor's degree in marketing from MSU. Outside of work he plays guitar and sing in classic rock cover band, and enjoys long distance precision shooting, Star Wars cosplay, and binge watching shows with his two pit bulls and three cats.

Tromer DiFiore-Smith

Job Titles:
  • Program Manager
Coming up on two (2 )years with Systel, Tromer is the newest program manager to the sales team, and is responsible for managing U.S. Navy and other maritime programs. Tromer's entire professional career has been in various roles supporting DOD customers across the globe, providing equipment and training to the warfighter. He is a U.S. Army veteran and has a BA in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University. Tromer loves to travel, taking on all the challenges of being a new father to two young, beautiful girls, and brewing his own beer when the time allows!

Vimal Kothari - CEO, President

Job Titles:
  • CEO
  • President
Vimal is the CEO and President of Systel, driving the company's strategy and direction. He founded Systel in 1988 as a consulting company, transitioning the company in 1993 to focus on designing and manufacturing rugged products for mission critical applications. Vimal earned his MS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Houston. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and friends. He enjoys reading, watching movies, early morning walks and traveling with his wife.