EMEC, the world’s leading ocean energy test and demonstration centre, has revealed its new executive leadership team as the company embarks on its next phase to pioneer a clean energy future.
Matthew Finn has been appointed as EMEC’s new managing director. Finn has worked at EMEC 19 years and spent the last five as Commercial Director. He has an extensive track record of collaborating with a diverse range of organizations to drive research and technology development and has secured over £200 million in funding for projects spanning wave and tidal energy, offshore wind, hydrogen, alternative fuels and islands decarbonization.
EMEC said Finn has been a driving force behind the company’s growth ambitions, with future plans looking at expanding EMEC’s test and demonstration sites for wave and tidal energy to accelerate the progression from prototype demonstrations to array deployments, as well as developing infrastructure to support the burgeoning floating wind sector.
“As an innovation catalyst, EMEC uses its know-how, services and infrastructure to reduce the time, cost, and risk to progress innovative sustainable technologies to market,” Finn said. “I am honoured to step into this role alongside such a talented team. Together, we will continue to drive innovation, deliver exceptional value to our customers, and strengthen our position as a global leader.”
Mark Hamilton has been named Operations and Technology Director. Hamilton founded Solo Energy, a start-up in the energy systems space which developed a virtual power plant software platform that was acquired by SMS Energy in 2019. Afterward he led SMS’s flexibility business unit, gaining significant knowledge of smart metering, energy systems, grid operation, wholesale and retail market operation. Prior to that he Chief Technology Officer at Orbital Marine Power for eight years. There he led the early design of its floating tidal turbine technology, as well as serving as Managing Director for two years leading on strategy and commercial development.
“Having lived in Orkney for over 20 years and worked in renewables during that time, I have witnessed first-hand the growth of EMEC and the major impact it has had in driving forward the marine renewables industry as well as accelerating R&D and commercial activity in many other exciting areas in cleantech,” Hamilton said. “I’m delighted to be joining the executive team and lending my industry knowledge, commercial experience and innovative drive to the team.
Donna Ritch has been named Finance Director as well as overseeing HR, IT and support services. Eileen Linklater has been promoted to the executive team as Corporate Affairs Director to oversee quality, legal, stakeholder engagement and communications.
Neil Kermode, who has led EMEC for the past 20 years is stepping aside as managing director, having received industry accolades and an OBE for his services to renewable energy and to the community in Orkney. He will remain with EMEC to ensure continuity and strategic guidance during the transition.
“I am absolutely delighted that Matthew is taking over the reins and he has such a strong and capable team around him,” Kermode said. “I have loved leading EMEC and I’m confident that as I move back into a more supportive role we will continue to see marine energy develop in Orkney and further afield, and EMEC along with it.”
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