Forterra Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Forterra has 8 executives leading key functions including finance, technology, operations, strategy, people, legal, and company leadership.

Driven by innovation, Forterra is dedicated to advancing autonomous systems for ground-based movement, protecting front-line soldiers and enabling civilian workers in industrial sectors.

Leadership Roles at Forterra

  • Chief Financial Officer - Garth Mitchell
  • Chief Operating Officer - Colin Chisholm
  • President - Deborah Brown
  • President & Founder - Alberto Lacaze
  • Chief Technology Officer - Joseph Putney
  • Chief of Staff - In Cho
  • Chief People Officer - Taylor Baisey
  • Chief Legal Officer - Kevin Turner
  • Garth Mitchell - Chief Financial Officer

    Garth Mitchell, the Chief Financial Officer at Forterra, directs all financial strategy and fiscal operations. Mitchell oversees budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation, ensuring robust financial health for the company's autonomous systems development. This leadership role involves managing investment portfolios and optimizing capital structure to support Forterra's growth in the defense and industrial sectors. By analyzing market trends and financial performance, Garth Mitchell drives profitability and sustainable economic expansion. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to risk management and ensuring compliance with all financial regulations, safeguarding the company's assets and stakeholder interests.

    Colin Chisholm - Chief Operating Officer

    Colin Chisholm, the Chief Operating Officer at Forterra, manages the day-to-day operational execution and scaling of the company's autonomous systems. Chisholm directs manufacturing, supply chain logistics, and deployment processes, ensuring efficient production and delivery of Forterra's ground-based solutions. This leadership position involves optimizing operational workflows to meet the stringent demands of the U.S. Department of Defense and industrial clients. By enhancing operational efficiency, Colin Chisholm supports the company's mission to protect front-line soldiers and enable civilian workers. The Chief Operating Officer's focus includes quality control, process improvement, and ensuring seamless integration of autonomous technology into diverse operational environments.
    Colin Chisholm

    Deborah Brown - President

    Deborah Brown, the President at Forterra, drives strategic growth and operational excellence across the organization. Brown oversees key business functions, ensuring alignment with the company's mission to provide advanced autonomous systems for ground-based movement. This leadership position involves fostering strong relationships with clients, including the U.S. Department of Defense, and expanding Forterra's market presence. By championing innovation and operational efficiency, Deborah Brown contributes to the company's impact in protecting front-line soldiers and enabling civilian workers. The President's focus includes strategic partnerships and driving the overall business strategy forward.
    Deborah Brown

    Alberto Lacaze - President & Founder

    Alberto Lacaze, the President & Founder at Forterra, established the company's vision for autonomous systems and continues to guide its strategic direction. Lacaze pioneered Forterra's focus on driverless technology for ground-based applications, aiming to protect soldiers and empower industrial workers. This foundational role involves setting the company's long-term objectives and fostering innovation in asymmetric warfare and civilian sectors. By championing early advancements, Alberto Lacaze has positioned Forterra as a leader in the field. The President & Founder's influence extends to shaping the company culture and driving the development of cutting-edge autonomous solutions that address critical operational needs.
    Alberto Lacaze

    Joseph Putney - Chief Technology Officer

    Joseph Putney, the Chief Technology Officer at Forterra, architects the company's technological vision and innovation roadmap. Putney leads the research and development of advanced autonomous systems, focusing on driverless technology for ground-based applications. This critical role involves guiding the engineering teams in creating robust and reliable systems that protect soldiers and enhance industrial operations. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, Joseph Putney ensures Forterra remains at the forefront of technological advancement in asymmetric warfare and civilian applications. The Chief Technology Officer's oversight extends to cybersecurity, data management, and the integration of cutting-edge AI, directly impacting the performance and safety of Forterra's autonomous solutions.
    Joseph Putney

    In Cho - Chief of Staff

    In Cho, the Chief of Staff at Forterra, provides strategic support and drives key initiatives across the organization. Cho facilitates communication and alignment between executive leadership and various departments, ensuring efficient execution of company objectives. This role involves managing special projects, optimizing internal processes, and enhancing organizational effectiveness to support Forterra's mission in autonomous systems. By streamlining operations and fostering collaboration, In Cho contributes to the company's ability to deliver advanced solutions for defense and industrial applications. The Chief of Staff's responsibilities include coordinating strategic planning efforts and ensuring that leadership priorities are translated into actionable plans.

    Taylor Baisey - Chief People Officer

    Taylor Baisey, the Chief People Officer at Forterra, leads all human capital strategies and organizational development initiatives. Baisey oversees talent acquisition, employee engagement, and culture building, ensuring Forterra attracts and retains top talent in the autonomous systems field. This executive function is crucial for fostering an environment that supports innovation and the company's mission to protect soldiers and empower industrial workers. By developing comprehensive HR programs, Taylor Baisey cultivates a high-performing workforce capable of advancing driverless technology. The Chief People Officer's scope includes compensation, benefits, and ensuring a positive and productive workplace aligned with Forterra's strategic goals.
    Taylor Baisey
    Kevin Turner, the Chief Legal Officer at Forterra, directs all legal affairs and ensures regulatory compliance for the company's operations. Turner oversees contract negotiations, intellectual property protection, and risk mitigation strategies related to autonomous systems development and deployment. This essential role safeguards Forterra's interests in its work with the U.S. Department of Defense and industrial partners. By providing expert legal counsel, Kevin Turner supports the company's mission to deliver secure and reliable driverless technology. The Chief Legal Officer's responsibilities encompass corporate governance, litigation management, and advising on legal frameworks impacting the autonomous vehicle industry.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Forterra Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Forterra?
    Forterra is led by Garth Mitchell (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Colin Chisholm (Chief Operating Officer) and Deborah Brown (President).
    Who is part of Forterra’s executive team?
    The executive team of Forterra includes leaders such as Garth Mitchell (Chief Financial Officer), Colin Chisholm (Chief Operating Officer), Deborah Brown (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Forterra have?
    Forterra has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Forterra’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Forterra includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President, President & Founder, Chief Technology Officer.