In the fast-paced world of software development, few products can claim a legacy spanning three decades and even fewer companies can say that they have a CEO that worked there for 30 years.

GeoDin has not only survived but thrived throughout this period, evolving from its DOS and Windows 3.1 origins to become an international leader in geodata management. As we bid farewell to our former CEO Timothy Fyfe, we reflect on both his contributions and the remarkable journey of GeoDin since its inception.

The genesis of GeoDin - from DOS to global impact 

GeoDin's story begins in the early days of personal computing. Founded by geotechnical engineers Jörg Donat and Thomas Anders, who both worked for the former East German Geological Institute (ZGI) which was later privatized and renamed UWG, then Fugro, GeoDin was born from a vision to better manage geological data. Originally, the founders wanted to name their creation "Odin," but as Tim recalls with amusement, "the Danes got there first."

Tim himself was among the first to adopt GeoDin (then spelled GeODin) in its earliest incarnation through his company geoplan. He reminisces about visiting Jörg Donat because he was so excited to be part of building out GeoDin.

International expansion and evolution 

A significant turning point came when Tim presented GeoDin Version 2 to Fugro in Leidschendam, initiating its worldwide offshore use. This established important international connections with colleagues from the Netherlands and the United States, many of whom remain with Fugro today. 

However, the true international revolution came later, during Tim's leadership. As he humbly acknowledges, "the true shift to international thinking and working only came much later with Leonard, Nuno, Devrez, Stephen, Eliane, Kim, Olga and Arne. Collectively they dragged us out of the hole we had dug for ourselves and provided the vision for a new way forward." 

This team transformation reflected broader changes in the industry. As Tim observes: 

"People generally expect things faster, in the cloud and with minimal effort. The breakdown of data silos and the realization that everything is connected, to be shared rather than hoarded, is a positive trend."

Timothy Fyfe
Team Lead GeoDin

Meaningful impact across continents 

When asked about his proudest accomplishment as CEO, Tim's answer speaks volumes about his values: "Providing meaningful help to society." Under his leadership, GeoDin has supported an impressive diversity of projects:

  • Everyday geoengineering and environmental work in Germany 
  • Water resources projects in Africa 
  • A tsunami warning system in Norway 
  • Landslide monitoring requiring helicopter access and mountainside abseiling 
  • Projects in Zanzibar and Yemen

Perhaps most tellingly, Tim counts "Keeping the core team together and believing in a shared future" among his greatest achievements. This commitment to people exemplifies his leadership philosophy.

Overcoming challenges and embracing innovation 

No thirty-year journey comes without its challenges. When faced with difficult projects, Tim approached them with characteristic thoughtfulness and determination. His leadership philosophy seems well-captured in the advice he would give his younger self: "have more courage in demanding honesty and openness from people." 

Tim finds wisdom in unexpected places, citing sports autobiographies and Fran Lebowitz's advice to "Think before you speak. Read before you think" as particularly influential. This intellectual curiosity has served GeoDin well as it navigated three decades of technological and market changes. 

Tim's legacy 

As Tim steps away from his role, he leaves behind both tangible and intangible legacies. The posters on the Berlin office walls showcasing water resources, monitoring, and national database archives stand as physical reminders of accomplished work. The GeoDin logo he designed for version 2 has become emblematic of the brand. 

More importantly, he leaves behind a culture of care and trust. When asked how he'd like to be remembered, Tim borrows Jony Ive's understated words upon the launch of the first iPhone: "It's not too shabby is it?" This characteristic modesty belies the significant impact he has had on both GeoDin and the broader geodata management field. 

As GeoDin continues to evolve under new leadership, Tim's commitment to meaningful work, international collaboration, and team cohesion provides a solid foundation for the next chapter in this remarkable thirty-year story. His moral compass and dedication to both the team and users will continue to guide GeoDin's path forward. 

We thank Tim for his years of service and wish him all the best in his future endeavors. 

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