Q&A with Arthur Richier, Senior Freight Analyst

Arthur is a Senior Freight Analyst based in London, responsible for Vortexa's freight market analysis coverage and playing an instrumental role in developing freight product initiatives.

Prior to Vortexa, Arthur worked at S&P Global Platts as a Senior Pricing Specialist on the freight pricing desk.

Fun fact: Arthur has sailed in all but 2 of the world's seven oceans, only missing the Arctic and Southern (or Antarctic) oceans to complete the list.

We wanted to find out what inspired Arthur to join Vortexa, what some of his biggest milestones have been to date and what day-to-day life really looks like for a Senior Freight Analyst...

What inspired you to join Vortexa?

Throughout my entire career I have juggled two professional fields of interest; data analytics on one hand and the maritime industry on the other. Being given the opportunity to combine my two passions was an offer I couldn't refuse!

''...You know that feeling of working through an all-nighter, successfully meeting the deadline and going for a pint in an outdoor garden afterwards? It often feels like that here and it's one of the reasons the culture at Vortexa is its greatest asset, beyond the tech and the talent.''

What would you say is the most interesting aspect of your role?

I find many, if not all aspects interesting. The diversity of projects, working with some of the smartest people I know on challenges that have the potential to revolutionise an industry, the enthusiasm that pervades everything we work on, - it's a constant blast really.

What have been some significant milestone moments for you at Vortexa?

I think it has yet to occur, but launching our new suite of freight analytics publicly next week. It has been an incredible team effort and the final result has gone above and beyond my wildest expectations. It will truly be a game-changer for the industry and I can't wait to see our future clients engage with them.

What does day-to-day life look like for you as a Senior Freight Analyst?

An analyst at Vortexa has the opportunity to work not only on generating insights using our data for our clients but also collaborating with all parts of the business. This includes our engineering, marketing, product and commercial teams. As such, I'm happy to say no two days are alike and I enjoy spinning a number of plates simultaneously.

''...Throughout my entire career I have juggled two professional fields of interest; data analytics on one hand and the maritime industry on the other. Being given the opportunity to combine my two passions was an offer I couldn't refuse!''

What key qualities make a Senior Freight Analyst successful?

Einstein was quoted as saying "The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence." I'll leave it at that and say that pretty much sums it up.

How would you describe the culture at Vortexa?

You know that feeling of working through an all-nighter, successfully meeting the deadline and going for a pint in an outdoor garden afterwards? It often feels like that here and it's one of the reasons the culture at Vortexa is its greatest asset, beyond the tech and the talent.

What advice would you give people hoping to join Vortexa?

If Jeff Bezos had asked you instead of his brother to join him on the first Blue Origin crewed flight would you have accepted? Take the plunge, we're doubling in size across teams and an exciting future awaits!

Describe your working life at Vortexa in three words?

Rewarding, challenging and exciting.