BARTEC Academy

Stefan Schaffer is a seasoned executive with over 17 years of leadership experience in driving digital transformation and growth at BARTEC. Serving as Chairman, President & CEO of BARTEC US Corporation and Senior Vice President Americas for BARTEC Group, Stefan is a passionate advocate for innovation, particularly in hazardous areas. His leadership has been instrumental in expanding BARTEC’s regional presence and advancing its digital initiatives, including co-founding bartecshop.com and bartecacademy.com—the company’s first digital commerce and learning platforms. Stefan’s background in marketing intelligence, sales strategy, and corporate development has enabled him to successfully implement impactful solutions across China, Germany, the United States, and the Americas. Fluent in German, English, Portuguese, and Spanish, his global perspective enhances his ability to lead diverse teams and connect with international clients. A graduate of Berlin Institute of Technology with a degree in Business Administration and Management, Stefan was honored as the "Best Student of the Year." He also conducted doctoral studies in organizational psychology, focusing on leadership and organizational efficiency. His motto, "Making Things Happen!", encapsulates his drive to turn ambitious goals into measurable actions, especially in sectors requiring innovation and transformation. As a member of the BARTEC Academy Leadership Council, Stefan also plays a key role in shaping the future of industrial leadership. His energy, intrinsic motivation, and commitment to excellence have made him a vital contributor to BARTEC’s ongoing success in the industry.

Matthias Edder is a highly experienced communication and marketing executive with over 12 years of expertise in leading global communication strategies. As the Communication and Marketing Director at BARTEC, he is recognized as a trusted spokesperson and a strategic advisor to CEOs. Matthias has developed and executed impactful communication initiatives across diverse sectors, including chemicals, recycling, and electrical engineering. His specializations in crisis management and change communication have made him a sought-after expert in navigating complex organizational challenges and external pressures. A certified public affairs manager, Matthias is known for his conceptual leadership, decisiveness, and persistence in driving results. His ability to inspire teams and foster cross-functional collaboration has been crucial in aligning stakeholders and focusing efforts in high-pressure environments. As a result, he has become a key architect of corporate communication strategies, delivering value and enhancing BARTEC’s reputation on a global scale. Matthias is also a co-leader of BARTEC Academy and serves as a member of its Leadership Council, where he helps set the global standards for digital learning and communication. Through his leadership, Matthias drives innovation and excellence in BARTEC's technical professional development initiatives, ensuring that the company drives digitalization in hazardous areas. Matthias holds a Doctor's Degree in Political Science from Justus Liebig University Giessen, where he graduated "magna cum laude." He also completed a specialized Public Affairs Manager certification at Quadriga University Berlin in 2022. His educational background, combined with his extensive hands-on experience, allows Matthias to approach corporate communication with both a strategic and academic perspective. Matthias’ leadership is defined by his ability to turn complex challenges into strategic opportunities, making him an invaluable asset to both BARTEC and the industry.

Fernando Sanchez-Arias is the Dean of BARTEC Academy, where he leads the development and delivery of world-class learning experiences for the Ex community, ensuring the highest standards in safety and expertise in hazardous environments. Fernando holds a Business Administration degree with honors from the Pedro Emilio Coll Institute of Technology (IUTEC), where he graduated "magna cum laude." He also earned doctoral and master’s degrees in work-based learning leadership from the Wharton School and the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania, as well as advanced studies in Digital Leadership from Boston University and a Digital Marketing Strategy Certificate from Yale University. With over 30 years of experience, Fernando has held senior leadership roles including Chief Learning Officer, Chief People Officer, and Corporate Director for Fortune 50 companies, major oil & gas manufacturers in Latin America, and consulting firms across the US and Europe. He has delivered lectures and keynotes in more than 70 countries and over 100 cities, influencing the careers of more than 10,000 leaders worldwide. A strategic leader with a high bias for action and a strong sense of urgency, Fernando has been instrumental in the creation of corporate universities, leadership institutes, and global learning centers. He also oversees BARTEC’s digital commerce and learning platforms, including bartecshop.com and bartecacademy.com, driving digital transformation in hazardous industries. Additionally, Fernando co-designed with Bob Johnson, the Explosion Protection Professional (ExPP) Awareness and ExPP Competence certificates, advancing safety expertise in hazardous environments. Fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and English, Fernando is dedicated to fostering innovation and continuous professional development in the industrial sector.

Miha Rejc is an experienced senior marketing executive with a strong background in digital marketing, communications, and content strategy. As the Senior Marketing and Content Manager and Marketing Team Lead at BARTEC, Miha plays a key role in shaping the company's marketing strategy, with a special focus on digital communications, website experience, and customer engagement. His expertise lies in integrating digital marketing strategies with business goals, helping brands connect with their audiences in meaningful ways. Miha's journey in the marketing world spans over a decade, with significant roles in both corporate and digital media. He has proven his ability to adapt to the rapidly evolving digital landscape, specializing in social media, search engine optimization (SEO), paid search advertising (PPC), and content creation. His work includes spearheading innovative campaigns, driving audience engagement, and optimizing user experiences across various digital platforms. Before joining BARTEC, Miha was the Head of Digital Strategies at iPROM, where he led a New Business Unit focused on data-driven marketing solutions and grew revenue while positioning the company as a leading ad-tech provider. He also served as the Head of Social Media and Content Department at iPROM, overseeing multiple social media channels, influencer marketing campaigns, and content strategies, expanding the department significantly and contributing to new business development. Miha's expertise extends beyond execution; he excels at strategic planning, guiding teams to develop comprehensive marketing and communications strategies that drive results. His leadership is marked by a focus on collaboration, data-driven decisions, and the ability to translate complex marketing concepts into actionable outcomes. Miha holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Ljubljana, where he developed a deep understanding of digital media and communication strategies. His academic background in media dimensions of the web and journalism provides him with the foundational knowledge to navigate the evolving intersection of media, communication, and digital marketing. Miha's work has been recognized on a global scale, including being awarded the 2010 IABC Gold Quill in the Social Media category and receiving the 2010 Netko Award for Innovative Use of Social Media. He is also a Google AdWords Certified Professional, further demonstrating his expertise in digital marketing and search engine marketing. As a member of the BARTEC Academy Leadership Council, Miha shares his insights and strategic guidance on digital marketing and communications, with a particular focus on optimizing the website and learner experience. His contributions help ensure that the Academy provides high-quality, engaging digital learning experiences while maintaining an efficient, user-friendly platform for learners and customers alike.

Bob Johnson, President and Founder of SOURCE IEx, is a member of the BARTEC Academy Leadership Council and a faculty member. With over 30 years of experience, Bob has provided technical assistance on Ex design and installations to major oil and gas companies, including Halliburton, Baker Hughes, ExxonMobil, Chevron, and others. An expert in Explosion Protection, Bob has led training programs on topics such as Ex protection concepts, IEC standards, ATEX Directive, cable installation, and intrinsic safety design. He has delivered seminars for IEEE and ISA chapters and established ongoing training programs for companies like Halliburton, Fluor, and Siemens. Bob is the co-author, alongside Fernando Sanchez-Arias, of the Explosion Protection Professional (ExPP) Awareness and ExPP Competence certificates, contributing to the advancement of safety and expertise in hazardous environments. He is a published author of technical papers and has contributed to standards development as a UL STP 60079 committee member. He is a certified instructor/assessor for CompEx and has trained over 100 candidates on IEC 60079 standards compliance. His extensive credentials include certifications in IECEx CP, TÜV Rheinland Functional Safety, and CompEx Ex schemes. Bob continues to advance industry knowledge and best practices through his work with SOURCE IEx, providing innovative solutions and training to oil and gas industries.

Kelly Collins is an experienced Senior Business Development Manager specializing in industrial automation and electrical solutions for hazardous locations. He currently serves as Senior Business Development Manager at BARTEC US Corporation, focusing on Electrical Safety Solutions and Systems (ESS). With over 30 years of experience, Kelly has held leadership positions at notable companies, including Weidmueller USA, Emerson Automation Solutions, and R. STAHL, INC. A Marketing graduate from Northeastern State University, he excels in negotiation, international sales, operations, and electrical wiring. Kelly is the author of lessons on electrical safety solutions and systems, following IECEx, ATEX, NEC, and other global and national standards. Based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he leads sales teams and provides unique solutions for specific applications in the North American hazardous location market. In addition to his business development role, Kelly serves as a BARTEC Academy faculty member, contributing to both in-person and digital customer education initiatives and technical learning experiences.

Natalia Hernandez is the Regional Sales Manager for Latin America and the Caribbean at BARTEC, serving as part of the Enterprise Mobility and Connectivity business unit, where she leads sales strategies for technological solutions in hazardous areas, with a strong focus on the oil and gas industry. A Chemical Engineer graduate from Rafael Urdaneta University (URU) and an MBA graduate from the University of Los Andes (ULA), Natalia brings over 9 years of experience in hazardous areas and 11 years serving BARTEC customers and colleagues. Throughout her career at BARTEC, she has held key roles in developing strategic relationships in Latin American markets, excelling in technologies for high-risk areas, and demonstrating strong business leadership. Based in Houston, Natalia is bilingual in Spanish and English, enabling her to effectively navigate diverse markets. In addition to her role in sales, Natalia serves as a member of the Leadership Council at BARTEC Academy and as a faculty member. She contributes to both in-person and digital customer education initiatives and technical learning experiences, training customers in enterprise mobility, various product lines, and Explosion Protection Professional lessons. Her contributions continue to enhance BARTEC's global learning and development efforts.

Mateus Gonçalves serves as Regional Sales Manager, a member of the Leadership Council, and a faculty member of BARTEC Academy Mateus Gonçalves is a business leader with over 11 years of experience at BARTEC, where he has held various positions, including administrative manager, business development manager, and regional sales manager for Brazil, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Currently based in Houston, Mateus is responsible for leading sales efforts in Brazil and the Electrical Safety Solutions and Enterprise Mobility & Connectivity business units. He has successfully contributed to consultative sales, market penetration, and project implementation across several industries, including Oil & Gas, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, automotive, and more. His extensive network includes key industry players like Petrobras, EPC firms, OEMs, and end users. Mateus has master's studies in Petroleum Engineering from Faculdade Unyleya, where he is honing his ability to solve complex engineering problems and develop effective solutions. He also has MBA studies in Entrepreneurship, Marketing, and Finance from Faculdade Unyleya, as well as a Master of Business Administration in Finance, Accounting, and Auditing from FGV. Additionally, he holds a Bachelor's in Business Administration (Foreign Trade) from FATEC-SP and a technical degree in Industrial Automation and Instrumentation from SENAI São Paulo. Alongside his sales leadership responsibilities, Mateus is also a faculty member at BARTEC Academy, where he supports both in-person and digital customer training programs. He provides instruction on a range of topics, including various product lines, enterprise mobility, and Explosion Protection Professional courses, significantly contributing to the advancement of BARTEC’s global learning and development initiatives.

Juan Najera is an expert in metrology and heating technology, specializing in the design of Flow Measurement and Heat Trace Systems for the Oil & Energy industry. With a Mechatronics Engineering degree from Tecnológico de Monterrey (ITESM), he has developed deep expertise in Electrical, Mechanical, and Control Engineered Solutions, Business Development, Account Management, and Continuous Improvement. Currently, Juan serves as a Technical Sales Engineer at BARTEC US Corporation, leading the Electrical Heat Tracing business unit for the Americas. His previous roles include positions at reputable companies in the automation and instrumentation industry sectors, where he contributed to the development of custody transfer systems and optimized metering solutions in compliance with international standards. As a Council Member of BARTEC Academy, Juan plays a key role in enhancing the company’s customer education programs. He provides both in-person and digital training for customers, focusing on electrical heat tracing systems and projects, and Explosion Protection Professional lessons. His work ensures customers understand the technical aspects of BARTEC products and are equipped to implement them effectively in hazardous environments.