Meet the PROS: Ian Penfold

April 7, 2025

Meet the PROS: Ian Penfold, thumbnail

Meet Ian Penfold, Principal Scientist at PROS, outdoor adventurer and passionate photographer.

Through his deep technical expertise, Ian blends science and business to design next-gen revenue management solutions that streamline complex systems and processes and deliver better data-driven results for our customers.

Celebrating 31 incredible years at PROS, Ian’s passion for problem-solving and cross-functional collaboration continues to spark innovation and create meaningful impact for both our teams and customers.

Let’s get to know Ian!

Tell us about your journey to PROS.

I came to the U.S. in 1991 to pursue post-doctoral research at the University of Houston. Over time, I realized that a long-term career in physics research wasn’t the right path for me, so I shifted my focus to programming and expanding my technical skills. In 1994, while exploring new career opportunities, I came across a job posting in a chat group and interviewed with someone who shared a similar background. We hit it off, and soon after, I was hired at PROS! My physics background has proven to be a valuable asset, allowing me to approach problem-solving with a unique perspective and a deeper understanding of our products.

Ian Penfold Marathon, image

What do you enjoy most about working at PROS?

I enjoy working with colleagues around the world because it brings diverse perspectives and new ideas to the table. Collaborating with people from different backgrounds challenges me to think differently in new ways to help find better solutions. I also appreciate the opportunity to partner with other teams, like Product Management and Science, which deepens my understanding of our products and how cross-functional collaboration drives success.

Tell us about a cool project you are working on.

Our group is currently working on an exciting new leg-based revenue management (RM) product. This system is designed to require a fraction of the data that our traditional Origin & Destination (O&D) based RM system needs, which can significantly streamline processes and make it more efficient. It’s a challenging but rewarding project, as we’re aiming to develop a solution that provides similar, if not better, insights with less data, which can be a game-changer for our customers.

What are you a PRO at?

While I’m not an elite runner, I’ve always enjoyed the challenge and discipline of long-distance running. I’ve completed four marathons, including the 1996 Boston Marathon, which was an incredible experience. Running has been a great way for me to stay active, set personal goals and push my limits over the years.

At PROS, I’m known for bridging the gap between product knowledge and business insight. Whether it’s a technical question or a strategic challenge, teammates often turn to me for guidance. After 31 years here, I’ve gained a deep understanding of our products and how they’ve evolved, and that insight that helps me connect the dots and offer solutions that support both innovation and business outcomes.