One Minute Interview: Richard Yemm, commercial director, Pelamis Wave Power

Trained as a mechanical engineer with a background in wind energy, Richard founded Pelamis Wave Power in 1998. Since then, he has worked on all aspects from the board room to the drawing board, developing and commercialising the Pelamis wave energy system. Richard is a long-time director of Scottish Renewables, the Scottish renewables industry association, and has been a member of numerous government and industry committees and advisory groups over the years.

What was your first job?

A paper round, aged 11.

What are the best and worst parts of your job?

Best: working with such inspirational people. Worst: a lot of travelling.

What’s your dream job and why?

My current one – working in such a frontier sector with a real chance of making a real difference.

What’s your most treasured possession?

My golf clubs – sad, I know.

Where did you last go on holiday?

Elie in Fife.

In the Hollywood film of your life, who would play you?

George Clooney, of course! No? Okay, Gerard Depardieu then.

Reveal something about yourself not many people know.

I was sponsored through university by the Royal Air Force, training to be a pilot (before I grew up).

What album is currently in your car CD player?

Jack Johnson’s On and On.

What’s your favourite film and TV programme?

Film: Star Wars. TV: golf on Sky.

What quote or saying do you most overuse?

“It’ll be fine.”

If you ruled the world, what would you do first?

Resign.

What’s your favourite joke?

Two cows in a field, how do you tell which one is on holiday? It’s the one with the wee-calf.

This article first appeared in Utility Week’s print edition of 23 March 2012.
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