We recently sat down with Øyvind Kragh Kjos for a chat about his role as an Optimisation Manager, challenges, cycling, and more. Let’s hear what he had to say!

What do you do as an Optimisation Manager?

As an Optimisation Manager, I utilise a wide variety of data-driven analyses to ensure that Voi makes the most out of every single scooter. This means maximising their availability for riders; having available scooters in the right places at the right times, something obtained by ensuring tasks in the field are done at the right times and in the right way. An optimal fleet is a compliant fleet. That’s why I, as an optimisation manager, also ensure high utilisation through scooter movement and high fleet availability to reduce the amount of scooters standing still at any given time, thus minimising the possibility of scooters being positioned in a way that hinders accessibility for citizens. Phew, that was long! But hopefully clear :)

What’s the best thing about your role?

I’d say the best thing about my role is being able to feel like being an integral part of changing how cities move and function. We sit on an evergrowing mountain of data on how people move in our cities; where and when they go, the routes they choose and how often they go. This is a goldmine for anyone wanting to understand people's travel demands in a modern city - and super interesting to work with!

Tell us about a work challenge?

When Oslo implemented new regulations in September 2021, we had to set up new procedures to comply with the terms set. This included, amongst other things, logics for movement of the fleet between different zones in the city to comply with caps set in each of these zones. The new setup required cooperation and communication between me and several parts of the business, as well as external service providers. Putting oneself into other people’s shoes to understand the changes from their perspective was of utmost importance in order to master the new ways of working. In other words - challenging in many ways but it also came with insightful learnings.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

I’ve worked quite a lot as a server, most notably a total of two years at Walt Disney World (yup, really!) in Florida. As a server I learned many valuable lessons, such as never leaving a room empty-handed, something that translates to my both work and everyday life today. Doing something? Then always think if there’s something that can be done while you’re at it. It for sure made me into a multitasker!

And lastly – what’s your favourite way to unwind after a busy day?

Cycling, cycling and cycling. As simple as that. For me, going for a bike ride provides a calming and meditative state of mind. Would really recommend it!