VR trailblazer Sandra Marshall appointed COO at Owlchemy Labs

VR trailblazer Sandra Marshall has been appointed as COOwl at Owlchemy Labs, a leading XR games studio.

Marshall will be known as the Chief Operating Owl (COOwl). She is a seasoned expert in spatial computing and a visionary in the VR industry with 18 years of expertise.

Marshall’s career spans 18 years, with the last 16 spent at Booz Allen Hamilton, where she served as a principal in the chief technology office. During her tenure, she proved herself as an emerging technology visionary, specializing in developing, implementing, and leading advanced virtual and augmented reality projects. Her skill set combines strategy, technology, and creativity to drive business development and operational efficiency.

At Booz Allen Hamilton, Marshall notably established the company’s first VR studio and led the development of a VR application for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This application aimed to model complex airflow patterns and educate users globally on the safe use of Biological Safety Cabinets.

Additionally, Marshall spearheaded the creation of a digital twin platform for the U.S. Air Force, integrating engineering and real-time data in XR to enhance the safety, resilience, and performance of critical installations.

“I’m driven by a belief in the power of emerging technology and innovation to solve big challenges,” said Marshall, in a statement. “My previous roles have shown me how creativity and technology can combine to create something groundbreaking. I’ll apply my expertise to help Owlchemy Labs bring its virtual reality games and technology to market, empowering the talented developers to push the evolution of this cutting-edge technology.”

Owlchemy Labs CEOwl Andrew Eiche said in a statement, “With Sandra’s proven track record in driving innovation in design and technology, she’s the perfect fit to help us continue to advance virtual reality. Her wealth of experience and strategic vision align seamlessly with our commitment to pushing the boundaries of VR development. Her addition to the team strengthens our resolve to make virtual reality a transformative and inclusive experience for all.”

Marshall has tech prowess and is also known for fostering diverse perspectives and creating business strategies that unlock the exponential potential of emerging technology. She is dedicated to cultivating a supportive and inclusive environment where individual talents are recognized and valued.

Owlchemy Labs, founded in 2010 and acquired by Google in 2017, is known for its polished, zany, and innovative VR games and experiences. With titles like Job Simulator, Rick and Morty: Virtual Rick-ality, and Vacation Simulator, the studio continues to push the boundaries of VR development, aiming to make virtual reality an accessible and transformative experience for everyone.

“We have about 70 full-time Owls working at Owlchemy. It’s the biggest the company has ever been and shows both how strong the industry currently is, and our commitment to continuing to develop great spatial games,” Eiche said in an email to TechForgePulse.

In an email to TechForgePulse, Marshall said, “I’m excited to work with Owlchemy – it’s an opportunity to work at the intersection of strategy, technology, and creativity with an incredibly talented team, who are dedicated to driving innovation and inclusivity in XR.”

She added, “Working with Owlchemy, I’ll apply my extensive experience in developing and leading emerging technology initiatives, that drive technical and business advancements for major institutions, to help Owlchemy build on its current success, drive innovation in the industry, and reach new heights.”

Asked if anything was going to change, Eiche said, “We’re committed as ever to making XR for everyone! Sandra joining Owlchemy is a big part of our plans to grow XR as a medium. We see this as a redoubling of our efforts to create the best Owlchemy we possibly can.”

Marshall added, “I’m fueled by the possibility and promise of emerging technology and uniting diverse perspectives to build the impossible. I’m excited to work with Owlchemy, developing strategies for growth, fostering a culture of inclusivity and empowerment to push the boundaries of XR and its widespread adoption.”

As for what Owlchemy is working on now, Eiche said, “We’re still developing our hand-tracked multiplayer game. We cannot wait to tell you more when the time is ready. Beyond that, we are always hard at work pushing the medium forward. We truly believe that spatial is the next mainstream medium, and we’re always finding new ways to make our interactions even more rich and connect with more people.”