BARTEC Academy

Stefan Schaffer passionately advocates for digital innovation and growth in hazardous areas and has played a pivotal role in expanding BARTEC’s presence across the South and North America (SNAM) Region. With over 17 years of leadership experience at BARTEC, he currently serves as Chairman, President & CEO of BARTEC US Corporation and Senior Vice President for the SNAM Region. He co-founded bartecshop.com and bartecacademy.com, the company’s first digital commerce and learning platforms, helping position BARTEC as a global leader in explosion protection solutions.

Stefan brings a robust background in marketing and business intelligence, sales strategy, and corporate development. He has led successful strategic initiatives across China, Germany, the United States, and the broader Americas. He holds a degree in Business Administration and Management from the Berlin Institute of Technology, where he was recognized as “Best Student of the Year,” and pursued doctoral studies in organizational psychology, with a focus on leadership and organizational efficiency. Fluent in German and English, and conversational in Portuguese and Spanish, Stefan brings a truly multicultural perspective to global business and leadership.

As Chairman of the BARTEC Academy Advisory Council, Stefan contributes to shaping the future of education and workforce development in explosion protection and industrial safety. His motto, “Making Things Happen!”, reflects his commitment to transforming bold ideas into measurable results—especially in industries where innovation, precision, and safety are essential.

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Fernando Sanchez-Arias is a human and digital strategy leader. As co-author of the Explosion Protection Professional (ExPP) Certificate series, he is dedicated to supporting designers, installers, operators, inspectors, and auditors of Ex equipment and systems in hazardous areas to ensure the protection of people, the environment, and critical assets. Under his leadership, BARTEC Academy is becoming a reference point for professional development and certification within the Ex community, supporting global initiatives that advance safety, competence, and innovation.

Fernando holds a Business Administration degree with honors from the Pedro Emilio Coll Institute of Technology (IUTPEC), graduating magna cum laude. He earned a Master of Science in Education and completed doctoral studies in Work-Based Learning Leadership at the University of Pennsylvania, through a dual program between the Graduate School of Education and The Wharton School. He has also pursued advanced studies in Digital Leadership at Boston University, earned a Digital Marketing Strategy Certificate from Yale University, and is currently completing the Credential of Digital Innovation and Strategy at Harvard Business School.

Driven by a passion for meaningful learning and practical impact, Fernando bridges technical excellence with human-centered leadership. His work empowers individuals and organizations to navigate complex challenges in explosive atmospheres with confidence and purpose. Through BARTEC Academy, he promotes a culture of continuous learning—for BARTECians, partners, and customers alike—that inspires safer workplaces and smarter decisions around the world.

Bob Johnson is the President and Founder of SOURCE IEx, where he leads the design and delivery of specialized training, consulting, and technical solutions in explosion protection. With more than 30 years of experience, he has provided expert guidance to major oil and gas companies, including Halliburton, Baker Hughes, ExxonMobil, and Chevron. As a member of the BARTEC Academy Advisory Council and faculty, Bob plays a pivotal role in shaping learning experiences that elevate technical competence and safety awareness in hazardous environments. Bob holds an MBA from Loyola University New Orleans and a Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing from California State Polytechnic University–Pomona. His qualifications are strengthened by professional certifications such as IECEx Certified Person, TÜV Rheinland Certified Functional Safety Engineer, and CompEx Instructor/Assessor. He is an active member of the UL STP 60079 committee, contributing to the development of global safety standards, and is widely recognized for his expertise in IEC standards, the ATEX Directive, intrinsic safety, and Ex cable installation. Passionate about education and operational safety, Bob has led technical training programs for organizations such as Fluor, Siemens, and Halliburton. He co-authored the Explosion Protection Professional (ExPP) Awareness and ExPP Competence certification paths with Fernando Sanchez-Arias—programs now central to BARTEC Academy’s global learning platform. Through SOURCE IEx and BARTEC Academy, Bob remains committed to advancing Ex knowledge and helping professionals ensure compliance and safety in explosive atmospheres worldwide.

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.

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.

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.

As the Vice President of Quality & Certification for the BARTEC Group, he is responsible for ensuring that all BARTEC products placed on the market comply with relevant laws, regulations, and standards. He also leads the global certification process to secure the necessary approvals for BARTEC solutions across international, regional, and local jurisdictions. With a technical background as a certified electrician, electrical technician, and electrical engineer, Steinar has been working with explosion-protected (Ex) products and systems since 1995. His expertise spans engineering, manufacturing, and product certification. In recent years, he has contributed to the advancement of Ex standards as a member of the Norwegian National Committee TC 31 and the international IECEx TC 31 committees. Steinar is passionate about building Ex competency across the entire value chain. He strongly believes that without proper and continuous training—especially in explosion protection—neither manufacturers like BARTEC nor engineers, installers, operators, or asset owners can ensure a high level of safety and quality in hazardous environments. His mission is to help elevate knowledge and standards throughout the Ex industry.