About Q-Free
A prime mover in the world of smart, safe, and sustainable transportation management.
We go to work every day hoping to do two things: improve mobility and make the world a little better. Collectively, we channel our energy to influence and develop the global ITS community. We improve traffic flow, road safety, and air quality in communities all over the world.
Our innovation toolbox includes a broad, complementary array of hardware and software solutions for tolling and traffic management applications.
Q-Free at a glance
FOUNDED IN
1984
HEADQUARTERED IN
TRONDHEIM
NORWAY
OFFICES IN
15
COUNTRIES
~370
EMPLOYEES
35
NATIONALITIES
17% FEMALE
83% MALE
Our vision
Changing the movements of life
Our mission
We deploy innovative technology solutions for transportation operators that improve roadway safety, reduce congestion, and promote environmentally-friendly transportation options with greater efficiency and reduced costs.
Sustainability goals
In 2019, we unified our vision, mission, and values under three purpose-driven goals.
Q-Flow
Optimize the movement of people, goods, and data.
Q-Clean
Stimulate sustainable transportation.
Q-Safe
Improve road and travel safety.
Together, these goals unify our global teams and better reflect our culture. They breakdown traditional solution silos and highlight the importance of collaboration. Plus, they help align our product development and growth with our chosen United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Good health and well-being (SDG 3)
- Decent work and economic growth (SDG 8)
- Industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9)
- Sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11)
It’s more than just a business strategy. Working toward better, healthier, and more sustainable transportation is our morale responsibility for the greater good of generations to come.
Q-Free also supports UN Global Compact. Here you can see our Communication of Progress Letter (COP). You can read more about our work and commitments in our Annual Report from 2021, available here.
Our leadership team
Mark Talbot
Executive Chair
Served since 2024
Mark Talbot joined Q-Free as the Executive Chair in April 2024.
Talbot is a seasoned transportation technology and smart mobility executive. He has held leading positions at global ITS companies including Verra Mobility, Redflex Holdings Limited, Conduent, and Xerox. He is accustomed to leading global teams across the Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, and the Middle East.
Talbot holds a Bachelor of Science from Catholic University of America and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland. Talbot is an American citizen based in Vienna, VA.
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James Barkman
Chief Financial Officer
Served since 2024
James Barkman joined Q-Free as the Chief Financial Officer in July 2024.
Barkman has held various leadership roles including Group CFO and Vice-President/General Manager at Conduent, where he drove strategic financial initiatives, secured significant contracts, and built a substantial pipeline. Most recently, he served as CFO of Avenu Insights & Analytics, enhancing revenue streams for local governments through innovative financial strategies.
Barkman holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Politics from Wake Forest University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland. He is an American citizen and resides in Broadlands, Virginia.
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Fredrik Nordh
EVP Tolling
Served since 2017
Fredrik Nordh joined Q-Free as Senior Vice President Europe in September 2017. Nordh has held several leading positions within Tomra Group (2003-2017), most recently the position as SVP Head of Nordic Collection Solutions. Nordh has also been Nordic Business Controller at LG Electronics and held several finance, IT, and logistics positions at S.C. Johnson.
A native Swede, Nordh received a Master of Science degree in Business and Economics from the University of Uppsala in Sweden. Nordh is based in Stockholm, Sweden.
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Whitney Nottage, P.E., PTOE
EVP Traffic Management
Served since 2024
Whitney Nottage joined Q-Free in 2015 and was appointed Executive Vice President Traffic Management in November 2024. In this role, she is responsible for leading Q-Free’s Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS) division, overseeing operations, product development, sales, and project delivery across North America.
With over 17 years of experience in the traffic management and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) sectors, Nottage brings extensive technical expertise in traffic signal systems, network integration, signal and freeway operations, and ITS design. Her leadership is central to Q-Free’s ongoing efforts to innovate and expand its solutions for both freeway and arterial systems.
Nottage is a graduate of the University of Central Florida, holding a BSCE in Civil Engineering. She is an American citizen and resides outside of Atlanta, Georgia.
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Tor Erik Nergård
Global Director Law & Compliance Officer
Served since 2024
Tor Erik Nergård joined Q-Free in August 2000 as legal advisor fresh from the Law Faculty at University of Oslo, Norway. During the employment in Q-Free he has also had a position at Schjødt law firm (2006-2008) as trainee lawyer to obtain his qualifications and license to practice law (as lawyer).
Nergård has since had the position as legal director in Q-Free, responsible for all legal matters in Q-Free Group. The role and title have expanded over the years to include many areas of responsibility, and Nergård recently acceded the position in the leadership team.
Nergård graduated in 2000 as candidate juris from University of Oslo, which equates to Master of Laws. Nergård is a Norwegian citizen, and resides in Trondheim, Norway.
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