The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) has unveiled a new executive leadership team as it moves forward with plans to drive clean energy innovation.
Matthew Finn has been appointed Managing Director after 19 years with the company, including five years as Commercial Director. He has played a key role in securing over £200 million in funding for projects in wave and tidal energy, offshore wind, hydrogen, alternative fuels, and island decarbonisation. Finn aims to expand EMEC’s test and demonstration sites for wave and tidal energy while developing infrastructure for floating wind technology.
“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. 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,” said Finn.
The leadership team also includes Mark Hamilton as Operations and Technology Director. Hamilton brings experience from the tidal energy sector, having worked as Chief Technology Officer and later Managing Director at Orbital Marine Power. He also founded Solo Energy, which developed virtual power plant software and was acquired by SMS Energy.
“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. I’m delighted to be joining the executive team and lending my industry knowledge, commercial experience and innovative drive to the team,” Hamilton said.
Donna Ritch continues as Finance Director, overseeing financial leadership, HR, IT, and support services. Eileen Linklater, promoted last year to Corporate Affairs Director, manages quality, legal matters, stakeholder engagement, and communications, strengthening EMEC’s industry reputation.
Neil Kermode, who led EMEC for 20 years, will step down as Managing Director but remain with the organisation to provide strategic guidance. Kermode has received multiple industry awards and an OBE for his contributions to renewable energy and the Orkney community.
“I am absolutely delighted that Matthew is taking over the reins and he has such a strong and capable team around him. 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,” said Kermode.
