Meet John Martin, Chief Technology Officer

We are delighted to welcome our new Chief Technology Officer, John Martin.

John joins to take this position for Pagabo, Sypro and SPC. Read our Q&A below to get to know our latest team member and to find out about his SUMO advice. 

1. How did you end up working at Pagabo?

Simply put - I was headhunted!

2. Your job is in software. Does that mean you are an engineer or a developer?

I am the Chief Technology Officer, and historically I have looked after both infrastructure and software development teams both of which are a type of engineering. ‘Infrastructure’ being server/PCs Networks and ‘Development’ being the creation of products specifically the underlying code and flow.

3. The My Pagabo project sounds exciting, what can you tell us about it?

My Pagabo is a new platform which essentially automates the procurement process utilising frameworks which can feed into other products in the portfolio such as Contract Manager & Total Risk Manager. 

4. How will My Pagabo benefit customers?

Customers will be able to procure their projects from start to finish in one place, no more need for emails and spreadsheets. This will also provide a full audit trail for each project creating clarity and transparency for all parties involved and ensuring the Clients gets the best Supplier for their project

5. Lockdown has been tough so any tips for keeping positive?

A daily routine works wonders so I looked to exercise daily and anything else I could do to provide rigour to my day. Home-schooling during the second lockdown was surprisingly helpful for this!

6. Did home-schooling teach you anything?

My kids are doing great, real superstars!! What I’ve discovered is there are many ways of explaining the same problem to facilitate understanding.

7. Part of your working week is spent at home where you also have three children. How do you get the right balance?

I am lucky enough to have a private workspace where, other than being disturbed with cups of coffee, it is a no-go zone! 

8. What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?

SUMO… shut up move on. For me a way of closing down mentally after rigorous debate or challenge. Very good for mental state!

9. What do you like to do when you’re not working?

I’m pretty outdoorsy - mountain biking, surfing, paddle boarding - most things that involve water or mud! As a family, we are big campers! 

10. Can you recommend anywhere as a good family holiday destination?

We did a European road trip last year, with stop-offs in Germany, Switzerland & Italy. In terms of location, Vitznau in Switzerland was stunning. In terms of food, northern Italy and Lake Garda was unbeatable. In the UK, we like to head south-west and the Devon and Cornwall region.

Thanks for your time, John, and good luck in the new job.

Useful links below:

My Pagabo

Sypro

SPC