Our team
Executive Team |
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Matthew FinnManaging DirectorClick for role and contact infoMatthew Finn was appointed as Managing Director in March 2025. Prior to this role, he served as Commercial Director, focusing on driving the long-term growth of EMEC’s commercial activities. Matthew is directly accountable to the Board for all operations and is responsible for meeting the Board’s objectives for EMEC’s operational, environmental, financial, and commercial performance.
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Donna RitchFinance DirectorClick for role and contact info Donna oversees the finance function and is responsible for corporate governance. She manages the full range of support services including HR processes and activities, administration, office facilities and IT support and development. Donna also oversees quality management & contracts management processes. Contact: +44 (0)1856 852040 donna.ritch@emec.org.uk |
Eileen LinklaterCorporate Affairs DirectorClick for role and contact info Eileen is responsible for relationships with key stakeholders, providing leadership across marketing, legal and quality functions within the business. She is also responsible for implementing EMEC’s public affairs strategy to maintain regulatory compliance and identify growth opportunities. Contact: +44 (0)1856 852249 eileen.linklater@emec.org.uk |
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Mark HamiltonOperations and Technology DirectorClick for role and contact info Mark has responsibility to ensure that EMEC’s operations are planned and executed safely and efficiently. He also oversees EMEC’s Technical and Projects teams, ensuring that we deliver R&D and Consultancy projects on time, to budget and with high quality. Mark also brings a strong commercial and innovation drive to the business. Contact: +44 (0)1856 852202 mark.hamilton@emec.org.uk |
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Innovation Team |
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Dernis MediavillaHead of InnovationClick for role and contact info Dernis identifies, secures and manages new commercial opportunities to support the long term growth of EMEC. She focuses on EMEC’s international collaborations and building a portfolio of clients and partners from around the world. Contact: +44 (0)1856 852218 dernis.mediavilla@emec.org.uk
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Matthew StoreyConsultancy ManagerClick for role and contact info Matt is responsible for identifying, securing and managing commercial opportunities to support the long-term growth of EMEC. He works closely with prospective and existing clients to meet their requirements through bespoke service packages and project delivery. Contact: +44 (0)1856 852067 matthew.storey@emec.org.uk |
Lily WainMarine Energy Development CoordinatorClick for role and contact info Lily identifies, develops and secures opportunities for EMEC to grow its portfolio for marine demonstration projects. She develops proposals for marine energy projects and coordinates the pipeline for technology demonstration projects coming to EMEC from feasibility to contract stage. Contact: +44 (0)1856 852216 lily.wain@emec.org.uk |
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George ColcombBusiness Development CoordinatorClick for role and contact info George identifies, develop and secure opportunities for EMEC to grow its portfolio of R&D projects. He also supports engagement with new technology developers progress opportunities for testing at EMEC in accordance Contact: +44 (0)1856 852232 george.colcomb@emec.org.uk |
Jessica ThomasBusiness Development Officer (graduate)Click for role and contact info Jessica identifies, develops and secures opportunities for EMEC to grow its portfolio of projects, engaging with new and existing technology developers to progress testing and demonstration opportunities at EMEC. Contact: +44 (0)1856 852042 jessica.thomas@emec.org.uk |
Zara FlettBusiness Development Officer (graduate)Click for role and contact info Zara works as part of the Innovation Team to identify, develop and secure opportunities for EMEC to grow its portfolio of projects. Zara engages with new and existing technology developers to progress testing and demonstration opportunities at EMEC Contact: +44 (0)1856 852044 zara.flett@emec.org.uk |
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Conor GilmourMetocean Data EngineerClick for role and contact info Conor implements and oversees environmental data management across EMEC’s technical services including the development and operation of software to support the delivery of metocean and environmental monitoring services. Contact: +44 (0)1856 852217 conor.gilmour@emec.org.uk |
Catrin GarrettHydrogen R&D EngineerClick for role and contact info Catrin delivers on hydrogen focused R&D and technical work in EMEC hydrogen and energy systems projects. Catrin also works with the operations and project management teams to support the delivery of hydrogen demonstration projects. Contact: +44 (0)1856 852002 catrin.garrett@emec.org.uk |
Raphaela O’RorkeR&D Project EngineerClick for role and contact info Raphaela participates in technical project activities and deliver technical project tasks on time, and to budget across a diverse range of project portfolio, assisting Project Managers to deliver projects where required. Contact: +44 (0)1856 852236 raphaela.ororke@emec.org.uk |
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Scott CrawfordSenior Systems EngineerClick for role and contact info Scott is developing the instrument and control system for EMEC’s hydrogen and electrical assets within the ITEG project. Contact: +44 (0)7701 368650 scott.crawford@emec.org.uk |
Millie GreenEnvironmental CoordinatorClick for role and contact info Millie performs environmental monitoring services within EMEC’s projects. Millie leads EMEC’s environmental monitoring programme, supports the development of EMEC’s technical expertise, and undertakes fieldwork campaigns including survey design and data collection. She also prepares technical reports for use by the client, presents research findings and guidance to stakeholders, undertakes literature reviews, and provides guidance to mitigate, monitor and manage environmental risks associated with activities performed across EMEC’s projects and facilities. Contact: +44 (0)1856 486068 millie.green@emec.org.uk |
Harry SimpsonData EngineerClick for role and contact info Harry leads the development and delivery of advanced data analytics, modelling and machine learning across EMEC’s technical, environmental, and R&D programmes. He ensures EMEC maximises the value of its datasets through improved quality, deeper insights and evidence-based decision-making. Contact: +44 (0)1856 852060 harry.simpson@emec.org.uk |
Corporate Affairs Team |
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Lisa MacKenzieHead of Marketing and CommunicationsClick for role and contact info Lisa joined EMEC in 2011 and leads the company’s marketing and communications team to showcase the pioneering work taking place across EMEC’s offshore energy, hydrogen and energy transition projects. Lisa works closely with EMEC’s clients and partners, supporting the delivery of collaborative projects and has spoken at various events sharing EMEC’s work and promoting ocean energy and a clean energy future. Contact: +44 (0)1856 852207 lisa.mackenzie@emec.org.uk |
Caron OagCommunications LeadClick for role and contact info Caron supports the development and implementation of EMEC’s marketing strategy, and facilitates events and media enquiries as well as leads communications for various EMEC projects. Contact: +44 (0)1856 852219 caron.oag@emec.org.uk |
Corrine SinclairContracts ManagerClick for role and contact info Corrine provides support across the business by ensuring that the appropriate legal agreements are implemented to facilitate the execution of contractual obligations. Corrine develops and maintains the effective contractual processes and management to support the company’s commercial goals. Contact: +44 (0)1856 852003 corrine.sinclair@emec.org.uk |
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Colin KeldieCommunications and Media OfficerClick for role and contact info Colin supports the implementation of EMEC’s marketing strategy. Colin is a professional photographer, capturing photos and video of EMEC and client activities, as well as supporting content creation focussing on video production and graphic design. Contact: +44 (0)1856 852043 colin.keldie@emec.org.uk |
Erika KempCommunications OfficerClick for role and contact info Erika supports EMEC’s corporate affairs strategy by delivering marketing and communications that build brand awareness, drive business development, and share knowledge. Erika also contributes to a wide range of activities including PR, branding, events, and market research to support lead generation, as well as hosting visits and presentations. Contact: +44 (0)1856 852210 erika.kemp@emec.org.uk |
Karen JamiesonKnowledge Exchange Coordinator (ICNZ)Click for role and contact info Karen leads Communications and Knowledge Exchange for the Islands Centre for Net Zero. Contact: +44 (0)1856 486060 karen.jamieson@emec.org.uk |
Operations and Maintenance Team |
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Leonore van VelzenHead of Operations and MaintenanceClick for role and contact info Noor leads the Operations and Maintenance Team, to ensure assets are fit for purpose, and to ensure all day to day operations are planned and executed safely and in accordance with requirements of EMEC’s Integrated Management System and polices. Contact: +44 (0)1856 852223 leonore.vanvelzen@emec.org.uk |
Graeme FrenchHSE ManagerClick for role and contact info Graeme supports and manages the health, safety and environmental aspects of EMEC operations across all sites, offices and projects. He works closely with the Quality Manager to maintain EMEC’s Integrated Management System. Contact: +44 (0)1856 486065 graeme.french@emec.org.uk |
Derek FeatherstoneSenior Electrical EngineerClick for role and contact info Derek ensures that EMEC’s electrical systems are safely maintained & operated to all relevant standards, whilst meeting client’s requirements. Derek also delivers power performance assessment of customers technologies. Contact: +44 (0)1856 852224 derek.featherstone@emec.org.uk |
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Donald SinclairSenior Operations EngineerClick for role and contact info Donald assists in maintaining availability and proper functioning of all HV electrical connections and SCADA system associated with the test sites. He also works with developers to solve operational problems of a technical or data-related nature and provides first line technical support at substation sites (wave and tidal) including ‘engineer level’ maintenance of SCADA system. Contact: +44 (0)1856 852201 donald.sinclair@emec.org.uk |
Florence UngaroMarine Operations SpecialistClick for role and contact info Florence manages marine operations and projects across all EMEC and associated sites. Florence manages teams in a project management setting and has sound knowledge of working in the marine environment. Contact: +44 (0)1856 852005 florence.ungaro@emec.org.uk |
Jerry GibsonOperations SpecialistClick for role and contact info Jerry supports the final assembly, installation, commissioning, service and maintenance of all EMEC’s hydrogen assets. Jerry ensures that all executed service activities are based on hydrogen and electrical safety standards working according to EMEC’s health and safety processes on all sites; as well as managing large and small equipment improvement projects in the plant. Contact: +44 (0)1856 852243 jerry.gibson@emec.org.uk |
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Baptiste Mathie-ClaverieEngineering TechnicianClick for role and contact info Baptiste supports the provision of testing services for marine energy devices owned by EMEC’s clients and to ensure high availability of all EMEC facilities and equipment. He also provides technical support for EMEC owned and operated hydrogen production and storage equipment. Contact: +44 (0)1856 852060 baptiste.mathie-claverie@emec.org.uk |
Kevin LockwoodMaintenance Technician – EdayClick for role and contact info Kevin carries out preventive and corrective maintenance at the Eday substation and Flaughton Hill. He helps to manage the facilities within the substation, laydown area and grounds, assisting with first line technical support across EMEC’s infrastructure including its newly installed hydrogen plant. Contact: +44 (0)1856 852233 kevin.lockwood@emec.org.uk |
Callum RendallSenior Electrical EngineerClick for role and contact info Callum manages the operation of EMEC’s electrical systems, working closely with the Electrical Engineer and Contractors, to ensure activities are carried out in a safe and efficient manner Contact: +44 (0)1856 852060 callum.rendall@emec.org.uk |
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Chelsea WillElectrical EngineerClick for role and contact info Chelsea assists in the management of EMEC’s HV and LV systems including client’s electrical connections and marine energy device performance testing. She is also responsible for the electrical design and construction work for EMEC’s electrical systems including management of defined work packages and client projects, and required operational activities at the marine energy test sites. Contact: +44 (0)1856 852200 chelsea.will@emec.org.uk |
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Strategic Projects Team |
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Susan LearmonthHead of Strategic ProjectsClick for role and contact info Susan leads the delivery of high-impact initiatives across the organisation. She oversees EMEC’s strategic project portfolio, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and the timely, high-quality delivery of outputs. Susan manages complex stakeholder relationships, including funders, partners, clients, and regulators, and plays a pivotal role in shaping project strategy and execution. She works collaboratively across EMEC’s teams, with a strong focus on integration with the Operation and Innovation Team to maximise value and impact. Contact: +44 (0)1856 852006 susan.learmonth@emec.org.uk |
Donald LeaverEnvironment and Consents ManagerClick for role and contact info Donald leads the acquisition, maintenance and streamlining of all statutory consents required at EMEC or other identified sites. Donald contributes to EMEC projects by providing environmental technical expertise. Contact: +44 (0)1856 852245 E: donald.leaver@emec.org.uk |
Abi McLeanEnvironment and Consents OfficerClick for role and contact info Abi supports the acquisition, maintenance and streamlining of all statutory consents required at EMEC or other identified sites. Abi also supports the environmental monitoring services within EMEC’s projects. Contact: +44 (0)1856 852228 abi.mclean@emec.org.uk |
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Heather TurnbullSenior Technical Project ManagerClick for role and contact info Heather manages a variety of projects within EMEC’s portfolio, collaborating with developers such as Nova Innovation and Orbital Marine Power to advance the tidal industry. She plays a key role in overseeing developer and infrastructure expansion projects at EMEC, ensuring they are delivered on time and meet high-quality standards. Contact: +44 (0)1856 486057 heather.turnbull@emec.org.uk |
Carly TaitSenior Project ManagerClick for role and contact info Carly manages projects across EMEC’s portfolio, ensuring they are delivered with high-quality, whilst striving to reduce time, cost and risk. Carly supports a number of wave and tidal developers who are testing at EMEC, to ensure they are supported from contracting, through to deployment and decommissioning. Carly also works on a number of international consultancy projects. Contact: +44 (0)1856 852204 carly.tait@emec.org.uk |
Andy ShanksTechnical Project ManagerClick for role and contact info Andy manages projects across EMEC’s diverse portfolio with emphasis on strategic infrastructure and growth, ensuring projects are delivered safely and to a high standard. Contact: +44 (0)1856 852041 andy.shanks@emec.org.uk |
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Maddy WalkerProject ManagerClick for role and contact info Maddy assists with the management of projects across EMEC’s project portfolio, gaining on the job experience whilst working towards Project Manager qualifications. Maddy also manages projects safely and with high-quality, while striving to reduce time, cost and risk. Contact: +44 (0)1856 852203 maddy.walker@emec.org.uk |
Kristina BurkeProgramme Manager (ICNZ)Click for role and contact info Kristina manages ICNZ by using relevant processes and collecting data to inform decisions on budget, resource & prioritisation. She assists with the planning and execution of projects, and reports on key deliverables, KPIs, and project performance on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis. Contact: +44 (0)1856 852049 kristina.burke@emec.org.uk |
Caroline LouriePortfolio Project Manager (ICNZ)Click for role and contact info Caroline manages and delivers the portfolio of energy transition projects associated with the Islands Centre for Net Zero (ICNZ). Her role includes identifying commercially valuable opportunities, developing project concepts, and supporting delivery of funded demonstration activities. Contact: +44 (0)1856 852225 Caroline.Lourie@emec.org.uk |
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Mike PartridgeProjects ControllerClick for role and contact info Mike provides support to the Project Management Office, assisting with continuing development and daily operation of tools and systems for project monitoring and record keeping, procurement, risk management, timesheet management and cashflow. Mike is a Fellow of the Institute of Physics. Contact: +44 (0)1856 486058 mike.partridge@emec.org.uk
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Anne SayerAssistant Project ManagerClick for role and contact info Anne provides support with planning, resourcing, delivering and monitoring projects as part of the Programme Management Office Team. Contact: +44 (0)1856 852213 anne.sayer@emec.org.uk |
Fiona FoxAssistant Project ManagerClick for role and contact info Fiona assists with management of projects across EMEC’s project portfolio, gaining on the job experience whilst working towards Project Manager qualifications. Contact: +44 (0)1856 486063 fiona.fox@emec.org.uk |
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Ingrid RitchProgramme Finance LeadClick for role and contact info Ingrid provides administrative support to the project management office with staff timesheet processing, contract management, supplier management and assisting the PMO with project claims and any other tasks as directed by the Programme Manager. Contact: +44 (0)1856 852060 Ingrid.ritch@emec.org.uk |
Charlotte FosterProject OfficerClick for role and contact info Charlotte provides support with planning, resourcing, delivering and monitoring projects as part of the Programme Management Office Team. Contact: +44 (0)1856 852212 charlotte.foster@emec.org.uk |
Sinead AdamProject Admin OfficerClick for role and contact info Sinead provides administrative support across the PMO team with assisting with the preparation and submission of claims for all grant funded projects, including invoices, timesheets, travel and expense recording. Contact: +44 (0)1856 486066 sinead.adam@emec.org.uk |
Business Support Team |
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Cath RussellAdministrative Services ManagerClick for role and contact info Cath manages EMEC’s office facilities and coordinates admin support across the company. Cath leads on internal quality work, supporting EMEC’s accreditations, with a focus on improvement projects, ensuring a high level of customer service both internally and externally. Contact: +44 (0)1856 852240 cath.russell@emec.org.uk |
Molly HarrisHR ManagerClick for role and contact info Molly manages the HR function including resourcing, recruitment, HR procedures and processes. Molly also leads on the HR tasks in the business support team plan and manages EMEC’s job evaluation, salary review and succession planning processes, acting as first point of contact for all HR queries. Contact: +44 (0)1856 852047 molly.harris@emec.org.uk |
Ray BanksIT Systems ManagerClick for role and contact info Ray helps to maintain EMEC’s IT systems and software ensuring consistency across the organisation. In conjunction with the project management team, Ray also creates and maintains project information tools using appropriate software, and ensures relevant staff are adequately trained to use them. Ray manages the provision of telecommunications equipment and liaises with external IT providers to ensure services are delivered as required. Contact: +44 (0)1856 852046 ray.banks@emec.org.uk |
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Karen FlettFinance OfficerClick for role and contact info Karen provides administrative support to the finance team by assisting with the tracking of budgets, processing invoices and payments, assisting with the annual audit process and assisting with the development and maintenance of all necessary systems, policies and procedures to ensure effective, efficient financial management within the company. Contact: +44 (0)1856 852065 karen.flett@emec.org.uk |
Pete DonaldAdministration OfficerClick for role and contact info Pete provides administrative support across the organisation, providing reception cover, office health and safety checks, record keeping, liaising with suppliers, travel booking, proofreading and formatting, and general day to day admin tasks. Contact: +44 (0)1856 852060 pete.donald@emec.org.uk |
Tegan Gray (maternity leave)Administration OfficerClick for role and contact info |
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Katie RossAdministration OfficerClick for role and contact info Katie provides administrative support across the organisation, providing reception cover, office health and safety checks, record keeping, liaising with suppliers, travel booking, proofreading and formatting, project claims and general day to day admin. Contact: +44 (0)1856 852241 katie.ross@emec.org.uk |
Ella DalrympleAdministration Officer (maternity cover)Click for role and contact info Ella provides administrative support across the organisation, providing office health and safety checks, record keeping, liaising with suppliers, travel booking, proofreading and formatting, project claims and general day to day admin. Contact: +44 (0)1856 852007 ella.dalrymple@emec.org.uk |
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Associates |
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Andrew BaldockAndy is a Chartered Engineer and has a Masters in Renewable Energy. Over the past 15 years, Andy has directed over 100 person-years of marine energy consultancy activity. He has an extremely broad and detailed understanding of all aspects of the challenges involved in taking marine energy concepts to first arrays. |
Chris WhiteChris joined EMEC in 2007 as a Senior Electrical Test Engineer. He now works part-time for the company, supporting the management of EMEC’s electrical infrastructure and feeding his experience into various projects. |
John ThoulessJohn provides strategic development support for the expansion of the Fall of Warness tidal site. He brings over 20 years’ experience in renewable energy. As Head of Marine Development at SSE Renewables, John was closely involved in the development of marine energy technologies and projects, overseeing four development sites in Orkney waters and advising on investments in tidal and wave energy companies. He has also served as CEO at an independent renewable energy developer, managing a project portfolio of over 1 GW, and led commercialisation of ReFLEX Orkney. With a background in power engineering, John’s skills include major energy project strategic development, techno-economic modelling & project investment appraisal, commercial negotiations & deal structuring, investor due diligence, project management & reporting, and securing development consents and stakeholder management. |
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Lara Santos AyllonLara has carried out her PhD at the University of Edinburgh and EMEC exploring just transitions, energy systems change, energy technologies and innovation. Her case studies focused on marine energy, green hydrogen production and the energy transition in Orkney. As an associate, Lara brings expertise in areas of socio-economic impacts, responsible innovation, community engagement, participatory methods, qualitative data generation and analysis, energy justice and just transitions. |
Neil KermodeNeil supports stakeholder engagement and public affairs activities to help accelerate the development of marine energy and clean energy systems. As EMEC’s Managing Director from 2005-2025, he oversaw significant growth of the company as well as the ocean energy sector, with more marine energy technologies deployed in the seas around Orkney than at any other site in the world. He was also instrumental in directing EMEC’s diversification into green hydrogen and e-fuels. Neil has been intimately involved in working with governments, agencies and regulators to help foster the development of these sectors and is a passionate advocate of ensuring that our largely untapped ocean energy resource will be brought into service through intelligent and well directed innovation. Neil is a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Member of the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, a Chartered Environmentalist and ex SCUBA diver. Neil was awarded an OBE in 2023 for services to renewable energy and the community of Orkney. |
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