Return to previous record…
EMEC introduces new executive team headed by Matthew Finn
EMEC, the globe’s premier marine energy testing and demonstration facility, has announced its new executive leadership team as the organization embarks on its next phase to champion a sustainable energy future.
EMEC’s leadership team:
- Matthew Finn, Managing Director
- Donna Ritch, Finance Director
- Mark Hamilton, Operations and Technology Director
- Eileen Linklater, Corporate Affairs Director
Matthew Finn has been designated as EMEC’s new managing director, having been with the firm for 19 years and serving on the executive team as Commercial Director for the past five years. Matthew brings extensive industry expertise and a clear vision for the company’s future, supported by a robust track record of partnering with a diverse array of organizations to advance research and technology development. He has secured over £200 million in funding for projects covering wave and tidal energy, offshore wind, hydrogen, alternative fuels, and island decarbonization.
Matthew has been a key driver behind the organization’s growth aspirations, with future strategies aiming to expand EMEC’s testing and demonstration sites for wave and tidal energy to expedite the transition from prototype demonstrations to array deployments, along with developing infrastructure to support the emerging floating wind sector.
In reference to leading EMEC’s executive team, Matthew Finn, EMEC Managing Director stated:
“As a catalyst for innovation, EMEC leverages its technology, services, and infrastructure to minimize the time, cost, and risk involved in bringing innovative sustainable technologies to market. I’m privileged to assume this role alongside such a talented team. Together, we will persist in driving innovation, delivering exceptional value to our clients, and solidifying our status as a global leader.”
Joining the leadership team is Mark Hamilton, who takes on the position of Operations and Technology Director. Mark brings vast experience from the tidal energy industry, having served as Chief Technology Officer at Orbital Marine Energy for eight years, where he spearheaded the initial design of its world-leading floating tidal turbine technology, as well as acting as Managing Director for two years focused on strategy and commercial development. Subsequently, he founded Solo Energy, a start-up in the energy systems sector that developed a virtual power plant software platform. Solo Energy was acquired by SMS Energy in 2019, where Mark spent five years heading SMS’s flexibility business unit. During this period, he gained significant knowledge of smart metering, energy systems, grid operation, and wholesale and retail market operation.
Regarding his addition to EMEC, Mark Hamilton, Operations and Technology Director stated:
“Having resided in Orkney for over 20 years and worked in renewables throughout that duration, I have witnessed first-hand the expansion of EMEC and the substantial impact it has had in advancing the marine renewables sector, as well as accelerating R&D and commercial activity in various other exciting areas within clean technology. I’m thrilled to be joining the executive team and contributing my industry knowledge, commercial acumen, and innovative drive to the team.”
The leadership team is completed by Donna Ritch, Finance Director, who continues to provide financial oversight to the organization, in addition to managing HR, IT, and support services, and Eileen Linklater, who was elevated to the executive team as Corporate Affairs Director last year to oversee quality, legal, stakeholder engagement, and communications, reinforcing EMEC’s strong reputation in the renewables sector.
While stepping back from the Managing Director position, Neil Kermode, who has guided EMEC for the past 20 years and received numerous industry accolades along with an OBE for his services to renewable energy and the community in Orkney, will remain with EMEC to ensure continuity and strategic direction during the transition. As a fervent and tireless advocate for marine renewables, Neil will continue working with the organization to promote support for the sector and a sustainable energy future.
On passing on the responsibility of EMEC’s managing director role, Neil stated:
“I am absolutely thrilled that Matthew is taking over the leadership and he has such a strong and capable team surrounding him. I’ve enjoyed leading EMEC and I’m confident that as I step back into a more supportive role, we will continue to see marine energy thrive in Orkney and beyond, and EMEC alongside it.”
