Laurence J Arthur
Aberdeen, United Kingdom | +44 7951 860417 | javapartner@hotmail.com
Executive Summary
Senior business executive and technology entrepreneur with over 30 years of progressive leadership experience spanning software development, international sales, and corporate management. Demonstrated success building and scaling technology companies, securing multi-million dollar contracts with Fortune 100 corporations, and delivering sustained profitability across aerospace, defence, financial services, and telecommunications sectors. Proven expertise in strategic business development, M&A transactions, and building high-performing technical teams. Career highlights include funding and overseeing development of enterprise software platforms deployed by global corporations including Intel, GE, IBM, and the United States Air Force, with products maintaining market presence for over a decade.
Professional Experience
Chief Executive Officer & Founder
Software Engineering Technology | International Operations (USA, UK, Europe)
Multiple years of executive leadership
- Founded and built software engineering company with international presence, establishing operations across USA, UK, and European markets with full P&L accountability and strategic oversight
- Directed all commercial operations, business development strategy, and software project delivery for mission-critical systems serving aerospace, defence, and financial services industries
- Led organization of 20+ professionals including software development teams (2-8 engineers), sales divisions (6-8 executives), and operational support across multiple international locations
- Secured and executed high-value enterprise software contracts ranging from $10,000 to $500,000 with industry-leading clients including GE Avionics, Intel Corporation, IBM, major Wall Street financial institutions, telecommunications providers, and US Department of Defense contractors
- Achieved consistent year-over-year profitability through strategic pricing models, disciplined cost management, operational efficiency improvements, and market expansion initiatives
- Personally funded and directed development of proprietary enterprise software products that achieved exceptional market longevity, with solutions utilized continuously by global corporations for over 10 years
- Built reputation as talent developer, recruiting and mentoring technical professionals who subsequently advanced to senior leadership positions at Amazon, Shell, BP, and other multinational corporations
Sales Director
Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Systems
Senior sales leadership role
- Directed enterprise sales for HP workstation, minicomputer, and database solutions targeting OEM partners, Value-Added Resellers (VARs), and Fortune 1000 corporate accounts
- Developed and implemented go-to-market strategies that successfully penetrated new vertical markets and generated substantial revenue growth
- Provided executive-level technical consultation and enterprise solution architecture for complex, multi-million dollar deployments
- Managed high-stakes negotiations with C-level executives and technical decision-makers at major corporations
Senior Sales Engineer
Industrial Systems & CAD/CAE Solutions
Technical sales and business development
- Delivered technical sales, solution design, and business development across diverse industrial sectors including oil & gas exploration, textile manufacturing, process automation, and food & beverage production
- Provided pre-sales technical consulting, system architecture design, and implementation program management for factory monitoring and data acquisition systems
- Successfully closed multiple six-figure deals through deep technical expertise and consultative selling approach
ROV Systems Engineer
Offshore Oil & Gas Industry
Engineering and technical operations
- Delivered advanced engineering solutions for subsea operations including Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) systems, downhole instrumentation, and geothermal applications
- Provided technical expertise for slick-line operations, offshore drilling programs, and subsea intervention activities
- Worked in demanding offshore environments requiring highest levels of technical competence and safety standards
RF/Electronics Engineer & Sales/Marketing Manager
Medical Electronics Division - Advanced Imaging Systems
Dual engineering and commercial role
- Managed sales, marketing strategy, and engineering initiatives for sophisticated medical imaging systems including MRI and CAT scan technology
- Applied deep technical expertise in RF systems and medical electronics to support healthcare sector clients and drive revenue growth
- Successfully bridged technical and commercial functions to deliver complex solutions to demanding healthcare market
Education & Professional Qualifications
LLB, Law (Accelerated Programme) — Distinction
Advanced legal education with first-class honours achievement
BSc, Physical Sciences (Major: Physics) — 2:1 Honours
Rigorous scientific foundation in theoretical and applied physics
Postgraduate Studies:
• Optical Electronics (Lasers & Optical Communications Systems)
• Intellectual Property Law
Technical Expertise
Operating Systems & Platforms:
Unix (multiple variants), Linux distributions, macOS, Windows Server/Desktop, HP-UX, IBM AIX, enterprise cloud infrastructure
Database Technologies:
Oracle (multiple versions), Informix, MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, database architecture and optimization
Software Development & Languages:
C#/.NET Framework, C/C++, Java, Python, JavaScript, object-oriented design, enterprise application architecture
Enterprise Systems:
Hewlett-Packard Enterprise, IBM mainframe and midrange, DEC systems, Sun Microsystems, Oracle enterprise stack
Project & Development Management:
Agile/Scrum methodologies, waterfall SDLC, software project management, requirements analysis, quality assurance, release management, DevOps practices
Systems & Network Administration:
Enterprise server deployment and lifecycle management, network configuration and optimization, systems troubleshooting and diagnostics, performance tuning, security implementation and compliance
Additional Professional Information
- International business operations with extended tenures in Aberdeen (UK), London, Salzburg (Austria), and New York (USA)
- Extensive M&A experience including participation in multiple acquisition transactions across European and North American technology markets
- Proven track record identifying, recruiting, developing, and retaining exceptional technical talent, with former team members progressing to senior positions at Amazon, Shell, BP, and other industry-leading organizations
- Strong board-level presentation and stakeholder management capabilities, comfortable engaging with C-suite executives and high-net-worth individuals
- Active in professional development and emerging technologies, maintaining expertise in astronomy, cosmology, particle physics, and philosophy of science
- Content creator with established YouTube presence covering technology reviews, engineering projects, and scientific education
Personal Interests & Hobbies
My personal interests include opera, literature (Russian, French, English), astronomy, astrophotography, carpentry, photography, road and mtb cycling, walking, logging and chainsaws, stonemasonry, DIY, movies, philosophy, baking, bread/pie making, cider making. I've written several crime/legal thriller novels (10,000 copies sold) and another about business, sales and life experiences. I'm fascinated and have experience of niche markets & luxury branded products including Scotch whisky, Cuban cigars and fine wines. I've owned Ferrari & Porsche sports cars; Rolex and Breitling watches and Prada/Gucci apparel. These days I prefer my old Landrover and my Garmin watch, but my interest in the psychology of luxury brands persists. I'm a fan of personal fitness and can still trap deadlift 120kg and push 10x40kg overhead press, and cycle 60 miles (at 200 watts) on a fine summer day.
Contract Availability
Available for contract engagements via consultancy services. For project-based work, interim executive roles, or specialized consulting assignments, please visit: https://lance.black/