Leonel Domingues

About Me

I'm Leonel Domingues, and I am Nonius CTO. In 2004, my friend António Silva, who is now our CEO, and I founded Nonius. The spark for Nonius came after we clinched a win at an entrepreneurship contest hosted by Agencia Nacional de Inovação. My passion for entrepreneurship ignited when I sold my first software program at the age of 19, and with Nonius, that dream took flight.

Professional Background

I am the co-founder, Chief Technology Officer, and Chairman of Nonius. With 30 years of experience in the development of telecommunications, software, and hardware products, as well as product management, I now use my extensive technical skill set and experience to define technology adoption, evaluate its commercial implications, and present these insights both internally and to our customers.

Before founding Nonius, I performed management and technical roles in the UMTS R&D of Alcatel-Lucent UK and held similar roles in other equipment manufacturer companies. This experience provided a solid foundation for the innovative work we do at Nonius today.

Joining Nonius

My journey with Nonius began from its very foundation. Winning the entrepreneurship contest was a pivotal moment that spurred António and me to transform our vision into reality. This achievement set the stage for Nonius's success and growth in the technology and hospitality sectors.

Working at Nonius

What sets Nonius apart for me is our vibrant culture. The company is a melting pot of dedication across all ages, with a youthful spirit at its core. One of my favourite aspects of working at Nonius is the opportunity to travel and visit our teams across the globe. These trips are more than just work-related; they are opportunities to immerse in local cultures, history, and engage in enriching debates about economics, politics, and more. These experiences have significantly enriched my journey with Nonius.

Office Habits

I'm known for leaving late from the office. My mornings are more unpredictable, but I cherish taking the tram with my son to school on pleasant days, followed by a refreshing 2.5 km walk to the office. This routine not only provides me with exercise but also a cherished moment of the day.

Life Outside Nonius

Outside of Nonius, my life revolves around my family and long-time friends. Our gatherings are always filled with good wine and good food, moments that I treasure deeply. These moments of togetherness are invaluable to me.

Interests and Hobbies

Beyond my professional life, I'm an avid studier. While technology remains a significant interest, I also delve into economics, history, and political science. This diverse mix of interests keeps me curious and constantly learning, which, I believe, is vital for personal and professional growth.

I am often considered a wine and food connoisseur, a passion that adds another layer to my rich and varied life.

Recent Appointment

On October 18, 2023, I was honoured to be appointed to the HTNG Vendor Advisory Council (VAC). Nonius, an active member of Hotel Technology Next Generation (HTNG) for more than a decade, is proud of this achievement. The HTNG VAC is a robust and insightful council of the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA), which boasts more than 32,000 member properties representing the entire hotel and lodging sector globally.

My longstanding involvement with HTNG reaffirms Nonius’s dedication to hospitality tech. My dedication and expertise in the hospitality technology arena make me a valuable addition to the HTNG Vendor Advisory Council. I look forward to working alongside other industry pioneers to deliberate and formulate strategies for the challenges within the hospitality sector. Our combined expertise will empower AHLA members to leverage technology more effectively, discover new growth avenues, and shape the industry’s promising future.

The VAC represents the collective interests of technology vendors serving the hospitality industry to unlock global business potential. The VAC strives to surface thought leaders, elevate workgroup outcomes, increase awareness of AHLA initiatives, strengthen Allied membership engagement, and educate the hotelier community on industry-wide technology advancements.