Firestory appoints Rob James as new Managing Director

Rob James has been appointed as Managing Director.

James, formerly Chief Digital and Information Officer at Vodafone, has been brought on board to drive the next phase of growth for the Australian software company.

In addition to his telecommunications experience as Chief Digital & Information Officer at Vodafone and TPG Telecom, James previously served as Group Chief Technology Officer at Qantas, where he drove technology implementations that used Cloud and AI/ML to optimise airline routes in order to conserve fuel.

"After witnessing the devastating effects of the 2019 bushfire season, I am excited to be part of a technology company that is designing and building technology to prevent something like that from ever happening again," James says.

"I believe Firestory is a game changer in how technology can help fight fires and save lives.

"The foundational features have been developed, but there is a big job ahead to help organisations digitally transform their operations and culture in order to maximise the benefits that Firestory can deliver.

"I'm extremely motivated to help deliver this to firefighters, whose lives depend on it."

Firestory was developed by Australian technology company, Kablamo, in the wake of the 2019-2020 Black Summer bushfires. The software platform builds on Kablamo's experience of developing a global-award-winning AI/ML cloud platform for Victoria Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning.

"We think Firestory can be a world leader in bushfire intelligence. Rob brings to the company a wealth of leadership and technology experience, including in aviation and communications, both of which are extremely relevant to the Firestory vision." says Angus Dorney, co-CEO, Kablamo.

"That someone of Rob's calibre has chosen this role is an exciting sign of the potential impact of the product, and the future of the Australian Firetech industry."

With a strong and growing pipeline of potential future customers, Firestory is targeting growth in Australia and North America. In his new role, James will help to accelerate development of the Firestory product, to interface with Australian and Global Fire agencies and to develop Firestory's ecosystem of firetech partners.