Get to know our people

Tod Chapman is US Divisional Manager. He stresses how important a passion for technology is when working with customers and meeting their needs for software development platforms. Providing new technological solutions is one of the challenges involved. “Because IAR’s technology is innovative, we often need to develop sales methods that demonstrate how our offering looks to customers. This leads to an opportunity to brainstorm with our colleagues to come up with new, creative ways to describe IAR, our operations and what we offer.” As Tod notes, customers are successful when their products are delivered on time and are well received in the market. “By using IAR’s quality tool, they can efficiently develop the firmware and software required. For me, nothing can beat an unexpected email from an engineer to thank me and the team for going the extra mile.”

Minako Kurosaki works in customer support in Japan. For her, personal development is connected to working with colleagues from different countries and differences in cultures and ways of working. “I appreciate and respect differences, take in the good points and try to use them in my own development. The good and the bad are always two sides of the same coin. There’s a lot to learn from both sides, which is so exciting.” Minako feeds her creativity through her constant strive for small, daily improvements – a philosophy known in Japan as “kaizen.” “Every small discovery I make gives me new ideas, and these moments of insight always fill me with happiness. I’m always trying to find ways to simplify my work, in the hope that it will also make things easier for everyone I work with. I believe that this gradual approach will create a better work environment for all of us. That’s why I’ll always continue on this path.”

Lisa Åstrand is an Engineering Manager in Uppsala and is responsible for the Engineering Operations team. “What sets IAR apart is how engineer-heavy its operations are, which I found attractive. It’s stimulating to work with a large group of very knowledgeable developers. There are specialists here who are world leaders in their areas and very proud of the products. Working alongside them is enormously educational. I’m also motivated by the fact that IAR has a path forward. I’m part of that journey. I can take initiative and investigate ideas that help me grow in my role.” In her role as Engineering Manager, Lisa helps the team focus on engineering matters and problem solving. “I clear the way for the specialists by planning and coordinating in a way that makes things easier for them. I’m also incurably optimistic, which means that nothing is impossible. Everything can be solved together.”