Octopus Renewables hires offshore wind specialist from Macquarie

Octopus Renewables has hired a specialist from Macquarie to help drive its expansion into the offshore wind sector.

Partha Vasudev spent the last three years managing the Green Investment Group’s £1.1 billion offshore wind fund on behalf of Macquarie. He has now been appointed as investment director at Octopus Renewables, where he will lead the development and implementation of its offshore wind investment strategy.

Vasudev has more than 12 years of experience in renewable energy investment, holding roles at Centrica, Goldman Sachs and Oliver Wyman, where he started his career.

Octopus Renewables is part of the Octopus Group which also owns the supplier Octopus Energy. The company currently manages a £3 billion portfolio of solar and onshore wind assets across Europe.

Matt Setchell, co-head of Octopus Renewables, said: “Having firmly established ourselves as leaders in onshore wind and solar technologies we are now looking at growing to our offshore wind offering. We are, therefore, delighted to welcome Partha, who has many years of experience and expertise in the sector, to help us in this next stage of growth.

“Ultimately, our mission is to unblock vital investment into renewables and the addition of offshore wind means we can increase the diversification on offer to our investors.”

Vasudev said: “The team at Octopus Renewables is well known in the market and its ambition and track record speak for itself. It’s an exciting time to join the team, which continues to grow rapidly, and at such a crucial juncture as we accelerate the transition to a renewable future. I am very much looking forward to getting started and helping to drive further success.”

On the Move: Other appointments across the sector

UKRN

Rachel Fletcher is to take on the role of chief executive of the UK Regulators Network (UKRN) at the start of next month.

The Ofwat chief executive will replace Ofcom’s Jonathan Oxley as part of the rotation of the role among UKRN’s 13 member organisations.

She said: “At this time, collaboration between our members on the issues facing the sectors they regulate is more important than ever. The current crisis is likely to have an on-going impact on consumers, companies and public policy in our sectors. In the next year we will increase our focus on identifying the needs of consumers in vulnerable circumstances, and then on investment in critical infrastructure as the economy recovers. ”

Heat Trust

David Watson, the former of director of group strategy at Centrica, has taken up his position as managing director of the Heat Trust.

Watson, who replaces Bindi Patel at the helm of the consumer champion for heat networks, spent 15 years at the British Gas owner.

He said: “I am delighted to be joining Heat Trust at what is a very important time for both the organisation and the wider sector. Membership is growing and customer service standards continue to rise across the sector.

“Up to five million homes could be reliant on the heat network infrastructure by 2050.  Consumer interests need to be absolutely at the heart of this growth and I look forward to building on the fantastic work that has been achieved over the past five years.”