Press release: EMEC appoints Matthew Finn as Commercial Director
Matthew Finn, EMEC’s Commercial Director (Credit EMEC)
The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) has appointed Matthew Finn as Commercial Director.
Matthew will focus on driving forward the long-term growth of the organisation leading on EMEC’s commercial activities, bringing his unique experience and knowledge of the sector to the role.
Matthew has worked in the ocean energy sector for the last 14 years, helping to secure over £250 million of funding for a range of low carbon projects. In his previous role as EMEC’s Commercial Manager, he successfully built up a long-term pipeline of projects for the company including flagship initiatives such as FORESEA, OceanDEMO and the £28 million ReFLEX Orkney project. ReFLEX is one of the largest and most ambitious projects EMEC has taken on and will establish an integrated energy system for Orkney across heat, power and transport networks driving the islands towards a net zero future by 2030.
Returning to work in Orkney after completing his studies in Edinburgh, Matthew joined EMEC in 2006. Since then, he has played a central role in the organisation’s growth, working with the company to develop various new business streams including diversification into hydrogen, energy systems and floating wind.
Matthew has also been instrumental in supporting the development of the wider local renewable energy sector, working with organisations such as the Orkney Renewable Energy Forum (OREF) and helping Orkney win €100k via the EU Responsible Islands Prize.
Assuming the Commercial Manager role is Rob Flynn, who has worked at EMEC since 2018 as International Development Manager.
Neil Kermode, Managing Director at EMEC, said:
“I’m absolutely delighted that Matthew has agreed to take on this important role for EMEC. The breadth of experience he has built up over the years within EMEC is unparalleled and this brings a unique insight that will ensure the organisation finds opportunities to help drive towards net zero.
“It is also hugely satisfying to have watched Matthew grow through the business. He returned home to Orkney in 2006 to take the original job at EMEC and has tackled whatever has been thrown at him with gusto and professionalism.
“EMEC was set up in part to help build a new economy for Orkney and the Highlands. Seeing talented professionals grow with the company is exactly what the original supporters of EMEC wished for.
“I am really looking forward to this next chapter in EMEC’s development and I can think of no one better placed to deliver growth to our clients.”
Commenting on his appointment, Matthew Finn, said:
“EMEC is a truly unique organisation to work for with a genuinely inspiring vision for a low carbon future. As Commercial Director, I am relishing the challenge of working with a range of organisations to take their technologies and solutions to market.
“Whilst EMEC’s main marine demonstration facilities are based in Orkney we are now working on projects around the world to help drive them through to success. I am extremely proud to have a strong team behind me and I look forward to taking on this new role.”
