Q&A with Senior Trading Specialist Cosmo Kedros

Cosmo is Senior Trading Specialist based in London and is responsible for broadening Vortexa's customer base in EMEA. He has also written content pieces on the oil markets and worked alongside Vortexa's team of Market Analysts.

Prior to joining Vortexa, Cosmo was a fuel oil trader with Castleton Commodities in Geneva and London. He traded both physical oil and derivatives.

We wanted to find out what inspired Cosmo to join Vortexa, what some of his biggest milestones have been to date and how he would really describe our company culture...

What inspired you to join Vortexa?

I met with Fabio and immediately got what he was trying to achieve and I thought it was incredibly exciting. I'd used some data platforms while trading, but nothing like what Vortexa was - or what it aspired to be. I initially did some consultancy work to look at the fuel oil data output and give feedback on the platform, then joined permanently as a Market Analyst before moving to work with the commercial team to bring onboard new clients.

''...It's all round a great place to be and it's amazing watching what was a small company rapidly expand to be the market leader in such a small space of time.''

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

I like thinking carefully from a trader's perspective on which companies can benefit from the platform and coming up with a strategy to get them to take a look at the interface, have them trial then broaden the use to other groups within the company. The platform can play different roles for traders, analysts, charterers etc so it's important early on to have the right people involved. I enjoy speaking with potential clients, understanding how they quantify and view the market now, then see how we can add value to that process or indeed replace how they are doing it.

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

Bringing my first clients onboard was great, as it showed I was conveying to traders, charterers and analysts the benefits of the platform. That was 18 months ago and has ballooned into a huge customer base - it's very validating to see so many companies recognise that we can commercially help improve their revenues and offer cost savings and standardised practices on analytics.

''...The platform can play different roles for traders, analysts, charterers etc so it's important early on to have the right people involved.''

How would you describe the culture at Vortexa?

It's a relaxed environment but everyone works incredibly hard in their area and everyone is very dedicated to the company and the direction it's going. We all love what we do and it doesn't feel like a 'job' at all. It's all round a great place to be and it's amazing watching what was a small company rapidly expand to be the market leader in such a small space of time. I have some great colleagues - there isn't anyone I wouldn't want to have a beer with. Everyone has something interesting to say.

Describe your working life at Vortexa in three words! 

Rewarding, enjoyable and fulfilling.