This is the first in a series of interviews with the Hyperion Executive Search team. Managing Partner David Hunt drew the short straw and goes first. We have both a video, and written versions. In places they even match!!

Firstly, what is it about the Clean Energy sector that makes you so dedicated to your work and passionate about the sector?

Quite simply it’s the opportunity, and necessity, to change the world for the better. I have young children, and a love of nature, being involved in the clean energy sector gives me the opportunity to affect change, to make things better for both. It’s also super exciting to keep learning and seeing technology improve on a daily basis. It’s also a cool way to make a living.

Following on from this, how does this influence your approach to executive search within the sector?

Despite having over 17 years executive search experience, before setting up Hyperion, it was always a job, more than a passion. One I went about professionally and ethically, but a job all the same. At Hyperion I know the work I do advances the careers of our candidates, and the capabilities of our clients, and therefore improves the cleantech sector a whole. It’s about putting the best people, in the best place, to affect the most change, for the benefit of all.

Tell us about your background, how did you end up working with Hyperion Executive Search in the Clean Energy sectors?

From 1992 to 2006 I was involved in recruitment, and then executive search, in a variety of technical markets. In 2007, along with a business partner, I set up a renewable energy installation business. This was two years before FITs and the mad cowboy rush. We grew that business substantially and won many awards. The road in the UK, for all renewables, was a rocky one, and after yet another ‘bump’ in the road, I left that business to combine my passion for clean energy, and my years in executive search.

What do you see as the most challenging hurdle for the Clean Energy sectors?

There are many of course, but for me it is the talent issue. The talent pool in small, and competitive, demand outstrips supply and the ratio is growing daily. We need to address the lack of diversity in the sector, the lack of young people with STEM qualifications coming through, and how to enable the better transference of skills from other sectors to ours. It’s one thing having the money, the technology and the plan, but without the right people in place to execute, you’re dead in the water.

What do you think is the most exciting area within the Clean Energy Sectors?

Personally, because I’m a former ‘petrol head’, it’s eMobility. That said solar was my first love, and I do get very nerdy about batteries and energy storage.  eMobility though, which is far more than just EV’s, is super-fast moving, and will not just reduce pollution, but change the way we live, and the way we live in, and build our towns and cities.

Quick-fire.

 

Electric car or Electric motorcycle?  Electric car

 

Wind turbine or solar panel?  Solar Panel

 

Tesla or SpaceX?  Tesla (Let’s fix the earth, not evacuate)

 

Lord of The Rings or Star Wars? (You must choose only one, neither is acceptable) Neither

 

Cats or dogs? Cats, though I’m highly allergic to them. I still have one. May have to change sides in future!

 

If you could invite 5 dinner guests, dead or alive, for a dinner, who would you invite and what would you discuss?

Wow! Erm. I’d like to have a party with five tables of 10!!

 David Attenborough

Jurgen Klopp

Elon Musk

Deborah Meadon

George Orwell

My Grandad Lamble

 (I know that’s 6). We’d talk about life and see where that takes us.

Final Question

Where do you see Hyperion Executive Search in April 2020 and what has changed in the Clean Energy sector?

We will have expanded our global reach and be well on the way to achieving our mission; To be the most widely respected, recognised and successful executive search firm in our chosen markets. A company that shares wealth and opportunity with staff, partners and our chosen charities. 

 As for the sector, we will see that all areas of our technologies will be mainstream, and/or seriously disrupting the status quo, from renewables and batteries to emobility. Energy as a Service and Mobility as a service will be ‘things’ and growing fast.