Markets I cover

From power generation to the end user supply and ancillary markets I offer my expertise across the entire renewable value chain. With client coverage from large multinational utilities, energy producers, and venture backed renewable/cleantech businesses I’ve offered full talent acquisition services from technical, commercial and C-Suite.

Clients I’m always interested in hearing from   

Any renewable or clean tech organisation at any stage in their development who have a critical or strategic need to develop their talent acquisition strategy.

Senior individuals or specialist teams in need of committed representation to find a new opportunity.

What I can support with

Market Mapping – Identification of individuals working with companies of interest in defined geographies.

Salary Surveys – Indicative pricing information on salary levels for individuals within the market.

Recruitment Process Outsourcing – Energy Search dedicated team will manage the entire recruitment process for a client including marketing, talent identification, interviews, shortlists, and offer negotiation. Talent acquisition as a service.

dh@energy-s-c.com
+44 (0)1273 320920

Client Overview:

Energy Search Executive held a long relationship with a prominent renewable energy investor, planning to transition into an IPP business model. The client sought to hire a Managing Director for Portfolio Management, to successfully lead this strategic company shift. The ideal candidate needed to possess a unique blend of experience in renewable energy investments and a proven track record of understanding how an investor can maximize their IRR on investments by minimizing costs, and risks, across the investment lifecycle through to the asset portfolio management.

Client’s Challenge:

The client faced the challenge of finding a candidate who demonstrated expertise in renewable energy investments and had a thorough understanding of the intricacies involved in the IPP business model. The Managing Director would oversee the entire portfolio and drive the transition from a traditional investor to a fully-fledged Independent Power Producer.

Energy Search Executive’s Approach:

Comprehensive Market Research:

Conducted an in-depth analysis across the renewable energy investment landscape to identify key players who had already undergone a similar evolution, emerging trends, and potential candidates.

Evaluated the specific skill set required for investment and power production success.

Targeted Talent Identification:

Leveraged industry connections and networks to identify individuals with a proven track record in managing renewable energy investments.

Focused on professionals who had successfully transitioned from investment roles to leading IPP businesses.

Thorough Screening and Assessment:

Employed a rigorous screening process to evaluate candidates’ qualifications, experience, and cultural fit with the client’s organization.

Conducted detailed interviews to assess candidates’ abilities to navigate the complexities of both investment and IPP operations and introduce each candidate with detailed appraisal of their skillset, experience and potential personality and cultural fit.

Customised Search Strategy:

We tailored the search strategy to target individuals with a strategic mindset, business acumen, and a demonstrated ability to adapt to changing industry dynamics.

With so few companies having made this transition, we had to consider candidates with a history of driving successful business transformations within the renewable energy sector.

Result:

Energy Search Executive successfully identified and recruited a highly qualified Managing Director with a track record of managing renewable energy investments and orchestrating transitions into an IPP business model. The selected candidate brought a wealth of experience in both financial management and operational leadership, aligning perfectly with the client’s strategic objectives.

The appointed Managing Director was pivotal in steering the client’s transition, implementing effective portfolio management strategies, and overseeing the successful execution of investment projects. The client’s investment-to-IPP transition was seamless, and the newly appointed executive contributed significantly to the growth and success of the renewable energy portfolio.

Conclusion:

Energy Search Executive’s tailored approach to talent acquisition, combined with a deep understanding of the renewable energy sector, enabled the successful recruitment of a Managing Director capable of leading the client through a transformative phase. This case highlights the importance of a nuanced search strategy in identifying candidates with the right blend of skills for a specialised and evolving industry landscape with a limited talent pool.

Client Overview:

Energy Search Executive was engaged by a Series A financed Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure business with a pioneering vision. The client aimed to combine EV fast charging, battery storage, and dynamic flexible load management using Virtual Power Plants (VPPs). To realize this ambitious goal, the client required a Chief Technical Officer (CTO) who could lead the technical development, integration, and optimisation of this unique market proposition.

Client’s Challenge:

The client faced the challenge of finding a CTO whose experience could seamlessly integrate them into a business that is looking to develop technologies which to this point haven’t always been connected in a single point of contact (charging, storage, load management). The selected candidate needed to possess a strategic mindset to align technical development with the business’s growth objectives.

Energy Search Executive’s Approach:

Industry Insight and Research:

Conducted an extensive analysis of the EV infrastructure and energy storage landscape, identifying key trends, technological advancements, and potential candidates.

Gained insights into emerging technologies and best practices in fast-charging, battery storage, and VPPs.

Targeted Talent Identification:

Leveraged networks within the EV and energy technology sectors to identify individuals with a proven track record in developing and implementing innovative solutions.

Prioritised candidates with experience integrating charging infrastructure with battery storage and VPP software.

Technical Proficiency Assessment:

Employed rigorous assessment processes to evaluate candidates’ proficiency in EV fast charging, battery storage design, and VPP deployment.

Ensured candidates had a deep understanding of the technical challenges associated with integrating these components seamlessly.

Strategic Thinker Evaluation:

Evaluated candidates for their strategic thinking and ability to align technical development with the overall business strategy.

Considered individuals with a history of driving technological innovation within the context of growth-oriented business objectives.

Results:

Energy Search Executive successfully identified and recruited a highly qualified Chief Technical Officer who possessed a strong technical background in EV Charging, Storage and software deployment whose background was largely in Automotive OEM’s and Tier one Suppliers. The selected candidate had a track record of leading technical teams in developing and deploying innovative solutions within the automotive and energy sector.

The appointed CTO will play a pivotal role in advancing the client’s unique market proposition, overseeing the seamless integration of fast-charging stations, battery storage systems, and dynamic load management through VPPs. This integration not only enhanced the efficiency of the EV charging infrastructure but also provided the business with a competitive edge in the market.

Conclusion:

Energy Search Executive’s strategic approach to talent acquisition, combined with a deep understanding of the evolving EV and energy infrastructure landscape, resulted in the successful recruitment of a Chief Technical Officer capable of driving innovation and aligning technical development with the client’s unique market proposition. This case highlights the importance of a targeted search strategy in identifying candidates with the multidisciplinary expertise needed for groundbreaking projects in the evolving electric mobility and energy sectors.

Client Overview:

Energy Search Executive was engaged by a Scandinavian technology company specializing in EV charging products. The client aimed to establish a strong presence in the German market and sought a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for their newly founded German enterprise. The CEO would be responsible for developing a customer base across destination, home, and rapid charging, aligning with the company’s vision for sustainable mobility solutions.

Client’s Challenge:

The client faced the challenge of finding a CEO with a deep understanding of the German market and regulatory landscape and a proven track record in the EV charging industry who could bring an immediate customer base. The selected candidate needed to possess strategic leadership skills to establish the company’s brand, build partnerships, and drive customer adoption across diverse charging solutions.

Energy Search Executive’s Approach:

Market Analysis and Localization:

Conducted a thorough analysis of the German EV charging market, including regulatory requirements, market dynamics, and competitor landscape.

Localized the search strategy to identify candidates with a strong understanding of the DACH market EV charging infrastructure market.

Strategic Leadership Evaluation:

Prioritized candidates with a demonstrated track record of successfully leading technology companies through market entry and expansion phases.

Evaluated leadership skills, strategic vision, and adaptability to navigate the complexities of the German business environment.

Industry Network Utilisation:

Leveraged existing networks within the EV industry and German business community to identify candidates with established relationships and credibility in the market.

Focused on individuals with a history of building successful partnerships with key stakeholders in the market.

Customer Adoption Expertise:

Assessed candidates for their experience in driving customer adoption across various charging solutions, including destination charging, home charging, and rapid charging.

Considered individuals with a proven ability to tailor market strategies to meet the unique demands of each charging segment.

Results:

Energy Search Executive successfully identified and recruited a highly qualified CEO with a deep understanding of the German market and a proven track record in the EV charging industry. The selected candidate brought strategic leadership skills and a wealth of experience in developing customer bases for diverse charging solutions.

The appointed CEO played a pivotal role in establishing the client’s presence in Germany, implementing successful market entry strategies, and forging key partnerships with stakeholders in the market

Conclusion:

Energy Search Executive’s targeted approach to talent acquisition, combined with a specific understanding of the German market and EV charging industry, resulted in the successful recruitment of a CEO capable of leading the expansion of a Scandinavian technology company into Germany. This case underscores the importance of localisation and industry-specific expertise in identifying leaders who can drive market penetration and customer adoption in a competitive and evolving landscape.

Client Overview:

Energy Search were retained by a long held client, a renowned renewable energy trading and supply company, to find their first ever SVP Global Risk. The client sought a replacement for an outgoing senior Risk professional, but also to upgrade the role to be part of the Group Executive Committee, overseeing all Risk matters (market, credit and regulatory) across three subsidiaries on three separate continents.

The role was tasked with establishing a central, company-wide risk framework for all companies across the Group. Beginning with the overhaul of the UK risk department, with a medium-term plan to rollout to North America and Oceania.

Client’s Challenge:

The challenge from the client was to find a candidate who demonstrated expertise on a Global scale covering risk management across renewable energy trading and supply markets. After consultation it was decided to centralise this position in their UK business, rather than potentially hiring a candidate in one of the subsidiary offices. The candidate required senior team leadership capability, managing direct reports at ‘Head of’ and ‘VP’ level, responsible for understanding all Risk tolerance, and defining the framework for each Risk department.

Energy Search Executive’s Approach:

Comprehensive Market Research:

Conducted an in-depth market map, assessing all professionals with the experience and capability to potentially fulfil the role, including competitor analysis and due diligence to identity companies, and individuals in said companies, who had held the same level of responsibility or potential to take on that strategic responsibility.

Targeted Talent Identification:

Utilising industry connections and candidate relationships acquired over a decade in renewable energy executive search, Energy Search identified a long list of individuals with a track record across Risk, and provided a diverse shortlist of 12 candidates for the client’s review.

Thorough Screening and Assessment:

Employed a rigorous screening process to evaluate expertise in group level strategic capability, team-management style, cultural fit within the organisation, and personality fit with peer level associates in the Group Exec Committee.

Conducted detailed interviews to assess candidates’ abilities to navigate the complexities different risk methodology associated with the energy industry.

Customised Search Strategy:

We tailored the search to target individuals with a strategic and Global mindset, and a demonstrated ability to build and retain talent into their teams, in a very competitive market for global Risk professionals.

The competitor list for companies who trade and supply energy on a wholesale scale was considerable, so it gave us the ability to specifically target individuals with the highest level of Risk clearance and responsibility inside each company.

Result:

Energy Search’s flexible approach to shortlisting the right professionals, gave the client a large amount of highly qualified candidates to choose from. Through their thorough interview and selection process, the client identified an individual and hired them as VP Risk, responsible for the UK department. This professional then had the longer-term objective to developing into the SVP Risk and take on Global market coverage.

Conclusion:

This case study highlights the importance of flexibility and adaptability to the changing requirements and demands of the client, through the executive search process. Clients who recruit their first professional to undertake a new role, often do not have a historical comparison to base their opinion and judgment on, so Energy Search will supply candidates who match the brief, but also candidates who could potentially grow into the role, as required by the client on each tailored Executive Search.

Client Overview:

Energy Search Executive was engaged by a leading Independent Power Producer (IPP) who recently transitioned from a renewable investor. The client sought a Global Head of Power Management to oversee all commercial aspects, including power management, hedging, commodity risk, energy flexibility, and sell-side Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs or CPPAs). The candidate would be responsible for power marketing on a global scale for a substantial and expanding international renewable portfolio.

Client’s Challenge:

The client faced the challenge of finding a dynamic leader with a comprehensive understanding of global power markets, risk management, and a proven track record in managing the commercial aspects of a renewable energy portfolio. The selected candidate needed to possess a strategic mindset to optimize revenue, navigate market complexities, and drive growth in a rapidly evolving renewable energy landscape.

Energy Search Executive’s Approach:

Global Market Expertise:

Conducted an extensive analysis of global power markets, identifying key trends, regulatory nuances, and potential candidates with a deep understanding of international energy markets.

Emphasized the need for candidates with experience in managing power portfolios across diverse regions.

Risk Management and Financial Acumen:

Prioritized candidates with a strong background in commodity risk management, hedging strategies, and financial acumen to optimize revenue streams.

Evaluated candidates for their ability to navigate market fluctuations and implement effective risk mitigation strategies.

Renewable Energy Portfolio Experience:

Leveraged industry networks to identify individuals with a proven track record in managing large and diverse renewable energy portfolios.

Focused on candidates with experience in optimizing power generation, negotiating CPPAs, and navigating regulatory frameworks in multiple jurisdictions.

Strategic Leadership Assessment:

Employed a strategic leadership assessment process to evaluate candidates for their ability to drive growth, lead global teams, and align power management strategies with business objectives.

Considered individuals with a history of successfully monetizing renewable energy portfolios on an international scale.

Results:

Energy Search Executive successfully identified and recruited a highly qualified Global Head of Power Management with extensive experience in navigating global power markets and managing large-scale renewable energy portfolios. The selected candidate brought a strategic vision, financial acumen, and a proven track record in optimizing revenue and mitigating risks across diverse markets.

The appointed Global Head of Power Management played a pivotal role in optimizing the commercial elements of the client’s international renewable portfolio. This included successful implementation of hedging strategies, negotiation of sell-side CPPAs, and effective power marketing to maximize revenue.

Conclusion:

Energy Search Executive’s targeted and global approach to talent acquisition resulted in the successful recruitment of a Global Head of Power Management capable of navigating complex international energy markets and optimizing the commercial aspects of a rapidly growing renewable portfolio. Despite the initial priority of finding a candidate in London, it soon became clear that there was not a sufficient candidate pool in London who had the exposure to the requisite international deal flow, portfolio or team. As a result we worked with the client to find an individual who could work for their legal entity in The Netherlands. We worked closely with the client to ensure this was managed smoothly and was feasible before furnishing them with an expanded shortlist.