Staff Spotlight – Neil Crosby

17 November 2023 Time to read:  minutes

 

 

Welcome to our Q&A series, offering an exclusive glimpse into the remarkable talents steering Sparta’s triumphs. In this segment, we proudly present Neil Crosby, Sparta’s AVP of Oil Analytics. Neil is instrumental in decoding the intricate world of oil pricing through his wealth of experience in energy consultancy and oil analytics. He is a crucial intermediary between our Commodity Owners and the Data Science team. Join us as we explore Neil’s enriching journey, his pivotal role, and the insightful expertise he brings to Sparta.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH THE COMPANY?

I’m a Spartan baby, just four weeks!

CAN YOU EXPLAIN YOUR ROLE?

My objective is to propel Sparta Analytics to greater heights by maximising our current resources to gain optimal insights into present oil pricing and then extending these insights further. I aim to address questions such as: ‘What implications does this price hold for the future?’ or ‘Do current prices align with real-world data?’ To achieve this, we will leverage data science and foster a significant collaborative effort within our dedicated teams.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE INDUSTRY?/CAN YOU GIVE ME A RUNDOWN OF YOUR CAREER PATH UP UNTIL THIS POINT?

My journey started in geoscience, before naturally progressing into energy consultancy and analysis. I pursued a Business and Climate Change MSc, leading me to JBC Energy, a pivotal learning ground for fundamental oil analysis. At JBC, my role encompassed diverse tasks from cross-barrel market commentaries to price forecasting and refining studies, all of which solidified my foothold in the oil & gas industry. Additionally, I’ve held roles in other oil analytics companies, focusing on integrating data science to make accurate predictions of fundamentals data.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE OUR COMPANY CULTURE?

Our culture revolves around swift execution while valuing everyone’s contribution. I appreciate the collaborative spirit and personalised approach where everyone supports one another in planning and execution.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF WORKING AT OUR COMPANY?

My favourite aspects of being part of this company are the vibrant culture that promotes autonomy and personal responsibility. I’m particularly thrilled by the company’s forward-thinking ethos and ambitious plans for growth.

The first time I encountered the Sparta platform, I was astounded by its immense potential and what it offers to traders. Its comprehensive and detailed view of prices makes it an unparalleled tool in the trading landscape. This platform is truly one-of-a-kind and has no equal in the market. Integrating this already powerful platform with fundamental insights in oil trading was a challenge that I couldn’t resist.

WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT THEY WOULD BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT?

Although originally from Scotland, I now live in Austria after meeting my partner.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN YOUR CAREER SO FAR?

I find pride in various aspects of my career. Primarily, I take satisfaction in analysing global events, interpreting data, and assisting clients in resolving their challenges. Moreover, I’ve significantly expanded my knowledge across the barrel. Over the years, I’ve cultivated the ability to think both in a specialised manner and in a broader, more comprehensive perspective of the oil market. This enables me to offer more nuanced and enriched insights and analysis.

WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

Don’t fret too much; trust in yourself.

IF YOU HAD THREE WISHES, WHAT WOULD THEY BE?

Access to the Sparta platform for the last 5 years would have saved me considerable time. The ability to  simultaneously track arbs, freight prices, and live curves, all in one place- a feature we already have! Seems like my wishes are already a reality at Sparta.

WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT YOUR JOB?

There is a balance between market interpretation and the dynamic nature of markets. We cannot take any analysis too rigidly or overlook the inherent volatility and evolving nature of the market. It’s essential to remember that while analyses intelligence provides valuable guidance, the market remains inherently unpredictable. Partly in view of that, we want to involve data science more and more in this process to try to take away some of the biases that each of us have.

WHAT ARE YOU GOALS FOR THE NEXT FEW MONTHS/YEARS?

While I won’t go into specifics yet, our primary aim is to identify client challenges and steadfastly resolve them. Personally, I aspire to contribute to Sparta’s journey to becoming the foremost provider of oil intelligence and insights.

WHAT, IF ANYTHING, ARE YOU CURRENTLY BINGE-WATCHING OR READING?

I’m currently enjoying “The Office” (American version).

WHAT’S THE LAST SONG YOU LISTENED TO?

“The Waterboys – Fisherman’s Blues”

Neil Crosby is our AVP of Oil Analytics here at Sparta and can be contacted at neil.crosby@spartacommodities.com.


Sparta is a live, market intelligence and forecasting platform that enables oil traders, refiners, banks, hedge funds and wholesalers to have access to real-time and global actionable insights to capture market opportunities before others.

To find out how Sparta can allow you to make smarter trading decisions, faster, contact us for a demonstration at sales@spartacommodites.com

Book a demo to see how Sparta enables you to trade with conviction

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