Andy Freeman Head of Sales EMEA with Jimmy Dean Head of Solutions Architecture

IN CONVERSATION WITH ANDY FREEMAN, HEAD OF SALES EMEA FOR HARVEST TECHNOLOGY GROUP

Andy Freeman Head of Sales EMEA with Jimmy Dean Head of Solutions Architecture

Andy Freeman, Head of Sales Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA, left) pictured with Jimmy Dean, Head of Solution Architecture (right) at Oceanology 2022. 

Based in Aberdeen Scotland, Head of Sales EMEA, Andy Freeman knows first-hand what it’s like to need reliable, secure communication in remote environments. After spending over a decade working in offshore inspection management for leading subsea companies, Andy stumbled upon Harvest’s cutting-edge technology and knew he wanted to jump onboard. With a unique appreciation for customers’ needs and a passion for solving operational challenges, Andy brings a wealth of knowledge and drive to lead the EMEA region for Harvest.

Joined Harvest: 2022
Qualifications: MSc Electronic Information Management, BSc Biology. 
What is your role and responsibilities at Harvest?

I look after the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region for Harvest. This involves supporting existing customers, engaging new customers, generating sales and raising the profile of the company by attending exhibitions, conferences, and industry networking events. My role consists of meeting with customers and partners, coordinating solution trials, and supporting customers to shape a remote operations solution that meets their specific needs. 

What did you do before joining Harvest?

After working for 12 years in project management and information management roles in the public sector, firstly in Edinburgh then in Aberdeen, I completed my master’s degree in electronic information management and transitioned to the oil and gas industry. I spent the next 13 years working in subsea inspection roles.

I worked my way up to Inspection Manager and established inspection departments and capability from scratch for two different ROV companies. During this time, I was heavily involved in developing new methods of working and introducing new technologies, including video streaming solutions, so I know firsthand the challenges that Harvest’s customers must deal with.

What do you love about your job?

I enjoy working with a variety of potential customers to help them solve their operational challenges. Quite often customers have an idea of what they want to achieve but don’t know how to get there. I get a lot of satisfaction from being able to work hand-in-hand with a customer to identify the best possible solution to achieve their objectives.

I also relish working across a variety of industry sectors, such as energy, maritime, defence, environmental and emergency response. Whilst the different sectors have their own specific challenges, it’s great to be able to use Harvest’s technology in different and unique ways to transform their remote operations and remote support challenges.

What led you to this type of role?

I have always been motivated to work with game-changing technology and have been involved in several different projects throughout my career. I first met with Harvest during one of their business development visits to the UK. At the time I was working as an Inspection Manager for a company that was looking to transition into remote operations. I was so impressed with the technology stack and the company that I was keen to become involved and took advantage of the opportunity to head up the EMEA region in 2022.

Do you have a particular highlight working at Harvest?

I love the opportunities that my job creates. I enjoy meeting new people, travelling to interesting places and working as part of a great team. Two highlights for me are broadening my skills by travelling to places I’ve never been to and working with new sectors I haven’t been involved with before.

What is the biggest challenge at the moment?

The greatest challenge is probably growing the EMEA business from a handful of customers in the energy sector to a company with multiple customers across a variety of sectors. It takes time to establish a presence in a new region and build trust and reputation within industries to become the first choice for remote operations and remote support.

What’s coming up in your area of business for Harvest?

This year got off to a busy start with Oceanology in San Diego and Subsea Expo in Aberdeen. We are exhibiting at Ocean Business in Southampton, UK in April (18-20), immediately followed by the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston from May 1. I am looking forward to exhibiting at the shows, connecting with customers, and showcasing our solutions to potential customers. These events generate solid interest, so I look forward to a busy next six months!

How do you measure success with a client?

Success is delivering a solution that solves a customer’s problem, exceeding expectations, on time and within budget. The end solution needs to help a customer to work more efficiently, be more productive, reduce costs and improve safety.  

Why do you think Harvest, a start-up from Perth, Australia is leading the way for remote operations?

Western Australia is a centre point for several different industry sectors, particularly the energy and resources sectors. Harvest has successfully pulled together a first-class team that collectively have thorough, first-hand knowledge of the challenges facing organisations involved in remote operations.

When you have the experience of working in your customer’s environment and knowing the operational challenges, it is much easier to develop and deliver fit-for-purpose solutions. I see this as Harvest’s biggest strength.

What is the most remote location you’d like to visit?

I would love to do an expedition in the Arctic and I’m working on a plan to make that happen.

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