Meet Andy Lac - our Sales Director in Melbourne!

I’m delighted to welcome Andy Lac to the Gridcog team!

As the Gridcog Australian team continues to grow, we’re happy to welcome Andy as our new Sales Director based in our Melbourne office. Andy will be responsible for continuing to grow our client base in Australia, building strong relationships with our clients along the way. With a background in B2B sales in the energy sector, Andy brings an excellent skillset and a load of enthusiasm to our team. He is already getting stuck in and will be joining us at All Energy in Melbourne next week.

Read on to learn more about Andy!

What were you doing before Gridcog, and what got you into the energy space?

Before joining Gridcog, I was deeply immersed in the world of technology sales, leading teams and driving sales that delivered high-impact solutions for a variety of industries. From digital transformation to SaaS and software solutions, I thrived on helping companies harness technology to solve complex problems. But over time, I began noticing a growing trend: more and more of the clients I worked with were turning their attention to sustainability. It wasn’t just about cutting costs or driving profits anymore; it was about reducing carbon footprints, improving energy efficiency, and contributing to a greener future. That shift got me thinking.

Renewable energy to me, felt like the next frontier—a space where technology could have a transformative impact. It’s one thing to optimise a company’s infrastructure, but it’s another to help them move towards renewable energy, improve grid efficiency, or even change the way we think about energy consumption. There was an urgency to it that I hadn’t seen before in other sectors, something that felt more meaningful and necessary.

The renewable energy space is dynamic, constantly evolving, and it’s an area where real, tangible impact can be made. The more I learned, the more it became clear to me that this was where I wanted to focus my efforts. That’s when I came across Gridcog, and I knew this was the place where I could contribute meaningfully to the energy transition.

What is your role at Gridcog?

At Gridcog, I step into the role of Sales Director, specifically focusing on driving revenue growth and partnerships in the Australian market. The role is incredibly dynamic, combining elements of strategy, relationship management, and sales execution. One day I might be working on crafting a tailored solution for a large renewable project developer, and the next I could be presenting Gridcog’s value proposition to a medium-sized solar farm owner looking to integrate battery storage systems. 

My role is to ensure that every conversation we have with a client, positions Gridcog as not just a technology provider, but as a partner that can help them optimise their energy usage and transition to more sustainable energy systems. 

Gridcog’s platform is transformative, and I also see my role as both an educator and a trusted advisor to clients.  Helping them to understand their unique challenges, and offering tailored solutions that solve real-world problems. It's about creating win-win scenarios for Gridcog and our customers, while also contributing to a more sustainable energy landscape.

I’m also responsible for setting the broader sales strategy for the Australian market, identifying key growth opportunities, and working closely with the marketing and product teams to ensure we’re aligning our offerings with market needs. Given the rapid pace of change in the energy sector, staying agile is key, and part of my job is to keep an eye on emerging trends so that we can be proactive rather than reactive in how we serve our clients.

What attracted you to working with Gridcog?

What drew me to Gridcog was the company's laser focus on innovation and its mission-driven culture. I’ve always been passionate about technology that can drive meaningful change, and Gridcog is sitting at the forefront of a rapidly evolving energy landscape. The company’s platform plays a pivotal role in helping organisations—whether they’re renewable energy developers, utilities, or even commercial and industrial businesses—optimise their energy systems. This optimisation isn’t just about better efficiency; it’s about helping clients make smarter, data-driven decisions that ultimately lead to more sustainable outcomes. And that’s a mission I can fully get behind.

But beyond the mission, what really stood out to me was Gridcog’s approach. The company doesn’t just talk about innovation; it lives it. The platform’s ability to provide real-time data insights, model different energy scenarios, and help clients maximise the value of renewable assets is incredibly powerful. The fact that Gridcog is continuously pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in energy analytics, with an eye on the future and a focus on impact, made me feel like this was the right place to channel my passion for both technology and sustainability.

I was also drawn to the culture at Gridcog. It’s a fast-moving, innovative company filled with people who are genuinely excited about what they do, and that kind of environment is infectious. 

I’ve always believed that the best work comes from combining passion with purpose, and at Gridcog, I get to do just that. I also love that we’re not just another tech company; we’re a company with a purpose, and that purpose is making the world a better place.

What interests and excites you most about the energy industry?

The energy industry is going through a transformation like never before. We’re witnessing the transition from a fossil-fuel dominated world to one where renewable energy plays an ever-increasing role. The introduction of technologies like battery energy storage systems (BESS), microgrids, and energy management platforms means there are endless opportunities for innovation.  What excites me the most is how Gridcogs technology is enabling that transformation. We’re at a point where advancements in energy storage, data analytics, and grid management are not just making renewable energy viable—they’re making it the smarter choice.

The pace of change is exhilarating. Every year brings new advancements, whether it’s in improving energy efficiency, creating smarter grids, or developing better storage solutions. The challenge lies in how we bring all these elements together in a way that’s scalable and economically viable. I’m excited by the opportunity to be part of this movement—to help create solutions that not only make sense for businesses but also have a tangible impact on reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change.

Being part of that transformation—helping businesses harness these new technologies to become more sustainable and efficient—is incredibly rewarding. The energy industry is evolving fast, and the decisions we make today will shape the world for generations to come. I can’t think of a more exciting place to be.

What do you like to do outside of work?

You’ll probably find me out somewhere soaking in nature. I’ve always had a deep appreciation for the outdoors, and being surrounded by nature has become one of my favorite ways to unwind.  Whether it's exploring local trails or planning longer getaways with the family on the weekends, I find that being in nature not only relaxes me but also recharges my energy. It’s like a reset button after a busy week.

Cooking is another passion of mine, and I especially love experimenting with new recipes. There’s a real joy in combining flavors, trying out fresh ingredients, and creating something from scratch. I find that cooking helps me relax in a different way—it’s creative, hands-on, and a bit meditative. Plus, it’s a great way to bring people together, whether it’s for a fancy dinner with friends and family or just making a great meal to enjoy at home.

Balancing work with these outdoor activities and cooking gives me the chance to step back from the fast-paced world of sales and technology and reconnect with things that ground me. 

What technology could you not live without?

If I had to pick one, it would definitely be my noise-canceling headphones. They are an absolute game-changer for focus and productivity. 

Whether I’m trying to dive deep into a strategy document, preparing a presentation, or just taking a moment to zone out with some music, my headphones help me create my own little world. They allow me to stay focused, drown out the noise, and get into a productive flow. 

They’ve also become a key part of my routine outside of work, as I love listening to music and podcasts to wind down. So it's safe to say that they’ve become a sort of staple in my day-to-day life. Could I live without them? Maybe—but it wouldn’t be nearly as enjoyable or productive!

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