Warren Arnholtz

Warren founded Approach Controls in 2018 to provide training and support to Frac Controls operators and technicians, and to develop industry leading control and data acquisition products.  Warren recognized the need for a modern approach to oilfield control systems and intelligent diagnostics, and has expanded the company with a best-in-class engineering team to create next generation controls using the latest technology.  Warren’s passion for equipment reliability and ease-of-use was honed in his previous positions developing and delivering training as well as remotely supporting technicians and engineers on oilfield equipment controls globally in eight countries.

JEFF AITCHISON

Jeff joined Approach Controls bringing decades of engineering, business development and leadership experience.  Jeff previously founded Highwood Automation as a heavy equipment controls and automation company, which was later merged with Approach Controls. Jeff was formerly President at a global industrial technology company focused on oil & gas services controls.  He led the company to the highest EBITDA in its history and was instrumental in a greater than 15-fold growth in company revenue.  Jeff is excited to be working with such a fresh and dynamic team at Approach Controls and for the opportunity to build systems from the ground up, using the best available technologies rather than being tied to limiting legacy architectures.

Rod Berreth

Rod is a Professional Engineer who has been working in Oil & Gas related industries for over three decades.  Rod joined Jeff in founding Highwood Automation in 2018, which was subsequently merged with Approach controls.  Prior joining Approach Controls Rod spent 20 years with Advanced Measurements in various capacities from Engineering Manager to Chief Operating Officer.  In his career Rod has worked  for renowned companies such as NOWSCO, BJ, and Hitec Drilling & Marine.  Rod excels at developing and leading high functioning teams to deliver systems that exceed customer expectations.  Rod is excited about growing Approach Controls based on principles of integrity, approachability, collaboration and exceptional customer experiences.

Kynan Larson

Kynan Larson holds a CPA and has 12 years of post-designation experience. He has worked predominantly within the oil and gas services sectors. He brings “C” level experience that includes M&A, business process improvements, “Fast Close” processes and business intelligence reporting. Along with his finance roles Kynan has also served as the head of operations in the last two companies he has worked with. He describes himself as a “blue collar” finance executive, which is more than likely attributed to his early job experiences which included working as a “jug hound” on the seismic lines in Northern Alberta, framing and roofing. He is active in the local Okotoks community where he has volunteered as a youth football coach for the past 9 seasons.

George Dalekos

George is a registered Professional Engineer with a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Computer Engineering.  He currently leads a variety of company initiatives to explore emerging technologies and develop new technology strategies and solutions.  He is also responsible for technical partnerships, such as with universities and technical community programs.   

Prior to joining Approach Controls, George served as Director of Engineering in oilfield automation, and as Chief Engineer – Software Applications and a variety of senior technical and managerial roles in technology-leading companies.  Over the past 20 years George has developed a true passion for finding innovative technical solutions and building high performing teams delivering exceptional new products that exceed customers’ expectations.