Ray Gough specialises in radiological and nuclear risks emanating from the war in Ukraine.
With a primary focus on Russia and Ukraine, Ray devotes his time to analysing disinformation related to weapons of mass destruction, satellite imagery and scenarios involving nuclear weapon use.
Ray holds master’s degrees in Geopolitics from Charles University in Prague and East Asian Political Studies from National Taiwan University in Taipei. His career began as an intelligence specialist in the Royal New Zealand Airforce, where he developed expertise in satellite imagery analysis, geospatial data interpretation and disaster relief operations. Ray’s service included a deployment to the Middle East in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, the US-led coalition against Islamic State. Before joining ONN, Ray served as the lead Russia-Ukraine analyst for New Zealand's National Assessments Bureau within the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. As an all-source analyst, he produced both short-form and deep-dive reports, briefed senior decision-makers and cabinet ministers and collaborated internationally with partners from across the intelligence community.
Ray is equally at home navigating bustling city streets or remote mountain trails - whether it's the breathtaking heights of Mt. Kilimanjaro or the icy tides of Tierra del Fuego, he is always seeking the next great adventure.