iKey Solutions Core Team
Erik Einesson - Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Einesson is a military veteran, accomplished executive, project manager, and business developer with extensive experience in the security, defense, and technology sectors. As the founder and CEO of iKey Solutions, he has built a strong international network and a proven track record of identifying opportunities, developing strategic partnerships, and facilitating complex procurement and business development initiatives. Drawing on years of experience within the defense and security industries, Mr. Einesson specializes in advising clients on the sourcing and procurement of security and defense-related products, equipment, and capabilities. Leveraging a trusted global network of manufacturers, suppliers, and industry stakeholders, he assists clients in identifying suitable solutions, evaluating suppliers, negotiating commercial terms, and navigating complex procurement processes. In addition to his commercial expertise, Mr. Einesson possesses extensive operational experience in planning, organizing, advising, training, and supporting security operations in cooperation with civilian, military, and governmental organizations. His professional background combines strategic business leadership with hands-on operational experience in demanding and high-risk environments. Mr. Einesson is a military veteran of the Swedish Armed Forces, having served in the Swedish Army's Ranger Regiment and later as an instructor within the Swedish Armed Forces. He also participated in NATO-led international missions and served with the Swedish International Rapid Reaction Battalion. Throughout his career, he has worked internationally within the defense and security sectors, gaining valuable experience in complex operational environments and supporting a wide range of governmental, military, and commercial stakeholders. Beyond his military service, Mr. Einesson has held senior leadership positions within the private security sector, including as a senior officer with SIG, and has served as CEO of companies specializing in personal protective equipment, security solutions, and advanced technologies. His unique combination of military experience, operational expertise, and international business leadership enables him to bridge the gap between industry, government, and end-users, creating trusted partnerships and delivering effective solutions in complex environments. Through iKey Solutions, he continues to support clients worldwide by connecting capabilities, expertise, and strategic opportunities across the defense, security, and technology sectors.
Ulf "Wolf" Bjaaland - Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer
Ulf “Wolf” Bjaaland brings more than 35 years of international experience in security, advanced technology systems, military operations, intelligence, and strategic infrastructure protection. With a professional background rooted in the Norwegian Army Ranger Special Forces and service as a Reserve Officer, he has developed extensive expertise in high-risk operational environments, strategic security planning, intelligence operations, and complex mission execution. Over the course of his career, Mr. Bjaaland has led multidisciplinary operations spanning cybersecurity, surveillance technologies, counterintelligence, logistics management, offshore security, force deployment, search-and-rescue operations, and counter-terrorism support. He also served for 20 years as Chief Technical Officer of a specialized security and intelligence organization, overseeing the development of advanced technical security systems and operational solutions for both government and private-sector clients. His unique combination of military operational experience, executive leadership, and advanced technical expertise allows him to deliver integrated solutions at the strategic, operational, and technical levels. Mr. Bjaaland holds advanced academic qualifications in Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, Cybernetics, Business Administration, and Military Science.
The Honorable Joseph E. Schmitz - iKey Chairman
Mr. Schmitz has led iKey Solutions' Washington, D.C. office since 2011, bringing decades of distinguished experience in government, military service, law, and executive leadership. Mr. Schmitz served as the fifth Senate-confirmed Inspector General of the United States Department of Defense from April 2002 to September 2005. In this role, he headed the largest Inspector General organization in the world and held statutory oversight responsibility for approximately 60,000 auditors, investigators, inspectors, law enforcement personnel, and oversight professionals throughout the Department of Defense. In recognition of his exceptional service, Mr. Schmitz was awarded the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service, the highest honorary award presented by the Secretary of Defense to non-career federal employees. Prior to his appointment as Inspector General, Mr. Schmitz completed twenty-seven years of distinguished service in the United States Navy, holding a variety of leadership and operational assignments. Following his tenure at the Department of Defense, he served as Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel of The Prince Group from September 2005 through December 2008, where he provided executive leadership and strategic legal counsel across a broad range of business and investment activities. Mr. Schmitz graduated with distinction from the United States Naval Academy in 1978 and earned his Juris Doctor degree from Stanford University in 1986. Today, Mr. Schmitz continues to support iKey Solutions through his extensive experience in government affairs, defense, regulatory oversight, strategic leadership, and international business development, providing valuable insight and guidance to clients and partners worldwide.
Strandell - Chief Commercial Officer
Mr. Strandell is an accomplished business strategist and commercial leader with extensive experience in business development, strategic partnerships, and international markets. Known for his ability to identify opportunities and build lasting relationships, he plays a key role in advancing iKey Solutions' commercial objectives and long-term growth. Throughout his career, Mr. Strandell has successfully navigated complex business environments, negotiated high-value agreements, and developed partnerships across diverse industries and regions. His strategic mindset, combined with a pragmatic approach to problem-solving, enables him to deliver results in challenging and fast-moving environments. Recognized for his professionalism, discretion, and strong leadership qualities, Mr. Strandell thrives under pressure and is adept at turning challenges into opportunities. His collaborative approach fosters trust, strengthens partnerships, and promotes innovation across teams and organizations. As a key member of iKey Solutions, Mr. Strandell continues to create value through strategic thinking, commercial expertise, and a steadfast commitment to excellence, helping drive the company's success in an increasingly dynamic global marketplace.
Dr. Okey Nwanyanwu - Chief Medical Advisor
Selection of achievements:
- Former Country Director of US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in South Africa, Nigeria, Guyana, and USAID. - Director of Office of Health, Population, and Nutrition in Mozambique. - Health Attaché for West Africa and instrumental in the establishment of field epidemiology programs in Africa instrumental in the control and eradication of the Polio epidemic in West Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo. - Adjunct Professor of Epidemiology and Population Science, Texas A&M University School of Public Health, College Station, Texas - Chief of Party, CDC Global AIDS Program (GAP) Georgetown, Guyana - Epidemiologist & Technical Advisor, AIDS, and Child Survival, Government of Malawi Ministry of Health (MOH) and United States Agency for International Development, Lilongwe, Malawi. - Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) Officer, Surveillance Branch, Division of HIV/AIDS, Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia. - One of the driving forces behind the creation of signature healthcare institutions in Africa. - Instrumental in the creation and expansion of the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) into 36 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. - Instrumental in the creation of the Pan African Medical Journal that gives African scientists a platform for publication of their works. - Co-created the Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETP) in Africa. This organization is responsible for producing qualified personnel for investigation and control of outbreaks across the continent and they were instrumental in eradicating Ebola in Nigeria and West Africa. - Championed the creation of the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC); the preeminent office for disease control policy in Nigeria. NCDC was instrumental in the eradication of Ebola in the country and is now managing efforts for COVID-19 control. This organization is the counterpart to the United States CDC. - Significantly increased the number of people on HIV treatment in both South Africa and Nigeria and put the first 500,000 South Africans on HIV treatment and a latter 1,000,000 more patients.
Dr. R. Dean Linden - Medical Director, North America
Dr. R. Dean Linden is a graduate of Queen’s University and the University of Ottawa, both located in Ontario, Canada. He began his academic career at the University of Toronto, where he served as an Assistant Professor in the Division of Neurosurgery from 1985 to 1989. In 1989, Dr. Linden joined the Division of Neurosurgery at the University of Louisville as an Assistant Professor. He was promoted to Associate Professor and awarded tenure in 1992. Throughout his academic career, he focused on fostering collaboration between academia and industry, earning numerous awards and honors for his contributions. He has published extensively and delivered more than 100 academic and business presentations worldwide. In parallel with his academic achievements, Dr. Linden developed extensive experience as an entrepreneur and business leader. Over the years, he has been involved with numerous private and publicly traded companies across a wide range of industries, serving as a consultant, founder, owner, operator, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman, and Director. In January 2000, Dr. Linden resigned from his tenured position at the University of Louisville to devote his full attention to entrepreneurial ventures, strategic business development, and the growth of iKey Solutions and its associated projects.
Sofia de Fay - Communication Strategist
Sofia de Fay is an accomplished writer, filmmaker, and director whose distinguished international career has taken her across continents, cultures, and industries. Over the years, she has built an impressive portfolio of award-winning productions for leading mining and energy companies, governments, sovereign wealth funds, multinational corporations, and senior decision-makers around the world. Her work has provided unique access to executive leadership, government institutions, and complex international environments, giving her deep insight into corporate affairs, public relations, stakeholder engagement, strategic communications, and brand development. Few professionals possess such a broad understanding of how organizations, governments, and markets interact across diverse cultural and geopolitical landscapes. Sofia's exceptional communication skills, cultural intelligence, and ability to build trust enable her to connect people, ideas, and opportunities across borders. She plays a key role in fostering meaningful relationships, opening new markets, and creating partnerships in environments where credibility, understanding, and discretion are essential. Respected for her professionalism, discipline, and perceptiveness, Sofia is driven by a passion for bringing like-minded people together and transforming conversations into lasting opportunities.
Joakim "Joke" Östling - Chief Instructor
Jocke is a former reconnaissance and sniper operator with the Army Rangers, bringing extensive experience from both military service and international close protection operations. He is a certified firearms instructor with over 15 years of experience within the armed forces and the private security sector. His areas of expertise include long-range marksmanship, handgun and carbine proficiency, military tactics, and operational training. In addition to his tactical background, Jocke holds a degree in Information and Cybersecurity and is actively engaged in matters relating to strategic national security. Combining operational field experience with expertise in security and technology, Jocke provides a unique perspective on modern defense, risk management, and security challenges.
JL Roodt - Operations Director
Mr. J.L. Roodt is a highly experienced security, explosives, and mine action professional with more than 30 years of operational and leadership experience. A former Colonel, he served both in the South African Parachute Battalion and the South African Police Service, building a distinguished career in security operations, explosives management, demining, and post-conflict recovery. Throughout his career, Mr. Roodt has deployed to numerous countries and conflict-affected regions, including Libya, South Sudan, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Vietnam, Taiwan, Kinmen Island, Laos, Cambodia, Angola, Myanmar, and others. In these environments, he has provided expertise in security operations, explosive hazard management, mine action, and operational planning, supporting governments, international organizations, and private-sector stakeholders. Among his many achievements, Mr. Roodt was awarded the prestigious Vietnam Friendship Medal by the Government of Vietnam in recognition of his significant contributions and service in the country. Mr. Roodt holds numerous professional registrations and certifications within the security, explosives, and training sectors. He is registered with South Africa's Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) and the Security Officers Board (SOB), authorizing him to conduct work within the private security industry. He is also a certified Training Instructor and Assessor accredited through the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA). His explosives and explosive ordnance training has been conducted internationally, including in Denmark, Sweden, Estonia, and South Africa. He is registered with the United Nations as a Quality Assurance (QA) and Operations Officer, as well as a Mission Specialist. In addition, he is registered with the South African Police Service's Chief Inspector of Explosives as an Explosive Destructor, with the Department of Labour as an Explosives Manager, and is a member of the National Institute of Explosive Technology. Mr. Roodt's extensive operational experience, technical expertise, and international credentials make him a highly respected authority in security operations, mine action, explosives management, and post-conflict stabilization efforts worldwide.
Tirtharaj "S.N. 1"Adhikari - Operative Commander
Mr. Adhikari brings more than nine years of military, security, and operational experience gained in a variety of international and high-risk environments, including the United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, and other conflict-affected regions. His professional background includes participation in United Nations peacekeeping and humanitarian missions, where he contributed to both security operations and the protection of civilian populations. Beyond his military service, Mr. Adhikari has worked extensively with international private security and defense organizations, serving in roles that required strong leadership, operational planning, team coordination, and mission execution in complex and demanding environments. A valued member of iKey Solutions since 2016, Mr. Adhikari is widely respected for his professionalism, integrity, loyalty, and unwavering commitment to operational excellence. His disciplined approach, strong leadership qualities, and ability to perform under pressure have earned him the trust and respect of colleagues and partners alike. Today, Mr. Adhikari serves as Commander of iKey Solutions' Gurkha Contingent, where he leads personnel, supports operational planning, and helps ensure the successful execution of missions. His extensive field experience, leadership capabilities, and dedication to service continue to make him an invaluable asset to both iKey Solutions and the clients we support.