MEET THE TEAM - ANDY
Andrew Pirie: European Sales & International Business Development Manager
Andy is a passionate triathlete and endurance sports enthusiast, based in our UK office. Andy has completed 12 Ironman’s, 1 Ultra and 6 marathons for good measure. Andrew brings a wealth of international experience and is helping spear head our international expansion.
VOLARE has always been the cheeky Aussie underdog, no pretence, no ego, just great designs. At our core is our passionate team of like-minded sports enthusiasts, ultimately for any brand, it’s always about people and its imperative our team love the outdoors and sport to be relatable to the endurance community.
Launching into international markets is always going to be tough, as we need to replicate our Australian team, culture and to find likeminded sports enthusiasts. As a brand we have been happy to wait until we found the right person to head up Europe and we are delighted to bring on Andrew Pirie to the team as our European sales manager and to head up international business development.
While Andy is based in the UK, contrary to popular opinion of the British he actually does like cold beer, over warm. Talks about training distance in miles, loves to travel and is sport mad as you expect. We asked Andy a few questions to learn more about what makes him tick.
Favourite Training Session / Sessions?
I love training in new places so it would have to be an easy run on a new forest style trail, love that!
Favourite Volare Products?
My favourite products are my V3 wetsuit which I have had for 4 years and it feels like a second skin. I love the 20-litre waterproof backpack, I use it every day as my work bag and I have another one that I use as my transition bag for events! I also wear the Volare black hooded puffer jacket most days especially in the UK as its bloody cold over here!
Greatest Achievement?
Aside from my family of course, sporting wise, this would probably be finishing Ironman Wales on the 3rd attempt in 3 consecutive years or completing a 1200 mile bike ride from Rome to London with little training! As a by-product I have raised over £30,000 for charity which I am pretty chuffed at.
Fastest Ironman? Fastest Marathon?
14.28 IM Mallorca
3.43 London Marathon
Current Sporting Goal / Focus?
I have stupidly signed up for a 100 mile Ultra Event ….. yes that’s miles not KMs.
If you could invite anyone (from the present or the past) to dinner, who would it be and why?
Steven Bartlett, a young inspirational businessman and prolific podcaster he already has so many stories from the people he has met and so much wisdom it would be a fantastic dinner with him.
Favourite Triathlon Discipline?
I started 12 years ago, used to be swimming, then it was the bike but the last 4 years it has been running by far!
Favourite Song?
Paper Planes – Lucas & Steve & Tungevaag
