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renewable energy
event
Clean Energy Hiring in 2027: Alex Cohen on Talent Trends Ahead of RE+ Las Vegas

As the clean energy industry looks towards 2027, businesses are navigating new opportunities, evolving workforce demands and increasing competition for specialist talent. As businesses expand into areas like battery energy storage and data centers, finding the right talent across engineering leadership and project delivery is becoming essential to supporting long-term growth. Ahead of RE+ in Las Vegas, we caught up with Alex Cohen from Piper Maddox to discuss the latest developments in clean energy recruitment, the challenges employers are facing and how businesses can position themselves to secure the talent they need. With hiring activity gaining momentum, Alex shares his perspective on where demand is growing, what employers should be thinking about now and why early conversations can make all the difference. What are clean energy businesses asking you most often about hiring at the moment? There’s a real buzz again. After the OBBBA, the immediate focus was getting projects delivered, including engineering, project management and construction, and managing growing portfolios. Now the conversations are much broader, covering origination, development, finance, legal and M&A. Across our business, activity is back around 2022 levels. We’re hearing, “We’re moving into BESS, thermal or data centers. Who’s done this before, and who would be excited to join us?”. AI experience is increasingly part of that conversation too. Where are you seeing the biggest gaps between the talent businesses need and the candidates available? Finding a brilliant technical leader is hard enough. Finding one who also happens to live within commuting distance of your office is where it gets really interesting! Interconnection, electrical engineering and project delivery remain challenging, and we’re competing with hyperscalers and data center developers for many of the same people. Office expectations are much firmer than in 2022. That means employers need to be realistic about where they can flex, especially when the candidate pool is already small. For businesses planning projects or growth in 2027, what hiring decisions should they be making now? Get us involved while the plans are still taking shape. That’s when we can be most useful. If you’re buying portfolios, growing your BESS pipeline or moving into thermal or data centers, let’s talk about who you’ll need and in what order. Which hires unlock the next stage? What can your existing team take on? Have the conversations about budget, location and availability now. Nobody wants to reach a major project milestone and realise the person they need is still three months away from joining. What can employers do to put themselves in a stronger position to attract and secure the people they need? Give people something to get excited about. You’re asking someone who may already have a good job to take a chance on your business. Why should they? Talk about what you’re building, why you believe in it and the part they could play. Equity remains a draw. People like the idea of sharing in the success they help create. And show up for the hiring process. Candidates notice when leaders make time, give thoughtful feedback and make decisions. Your enthusiasm for hiring them should come through. Can you share an example of how Piper Maddox has recently helped a client overcome a difficult hiring challenge? One I really like is a power business where we helped hire a Head of Engineering, a Head of Product Engineering for Power Systems, multiple engineers in protection and controls, and project directors. There aren’t huge numbers of people with those backgrounds, so supporting several of those hires together was a great piece of work from the team. It also shows the value of having specialists who can work together across disciplines. We could support the client across engineering leadership and project delivery as they built out the team. For businesses attending RE+, what would be useful to discuss with you and the team, and how can they arrange a meeting? Tell us what you’ve got planned for 2027! I always enjoy hearing where businesses are heading and comparing notes on what we’re seeing across the market. Whether you’ve got a difficult search, are exploring a new technology or just want a sense of what’s realistic on compensation and talent availability, let’s have a conversation. Let's talk talent at RE+ Las Vegas As clean energy businesses prepare for their next phase of growth, securing the right people at the right time will remain essential. As businesses explore new technologies and grow their specialist engineering teams, planning ahead for future hiring needs is becoming increasingly important to staying competitive. Alex Cohen, Charlotte Dungworth, Kalvin McMillian, Harjit Singh, Jack Eldridge and Myri Kennedy from Piper Maddox will be attending RE+ in Las Vegas and look forward to connecting with industry leaders to discuss their plans for 2027. If you're navigating a challenging search, planning to expand your team or looking to exchange insights on the clean energy talent market, we'd welcome the opportunity to meet.

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05 Nov 2026
renewable energy
event
05 Nov 2026
G.E.N. by PM: Bringing LA’s Clean Energy Community Together

“We need more of this in LA.” That was something we heard more than once at our first G.E.N. by PM event, and it captured exactly why we wanted to bring this community together. On October 29, we welcomed professionals from across Southern California’s clean energy industry to our Santa Monica office for the launch of G.E.N. by PM (Green Energy Network by Piper Maddox). Led by Charlotte Dungworth and our Piper Maddox LA team, G.E.N. by PM was created after recognising how many similar conversations were happening across the market, often between people working at completely different businesses. We wanted to give those conversations somewhere to continue, while creating more opportunities for the local community to meet, share experiences and learn from one another. The evening brought together people working across different areas of clean energy for a panel discussion covering some of the biggest developments shaping the sector in 2026. There was plenty to talk about, and the conversations continued afterwards over networking and a whisky tasting with B Corp-certified Bruichladdich Distillery. Following the event, we caught up with Charlotte to hear what she thought of the first G.E.N. by PM, the conversations that stood out to her and what she hopes to build with the community going forward. How did the first G.E.N. by PM go? It went really well. It was my first time moderating a panel, and what stuck with me was how many people said, “We need more of this in LA.” We had people from local renewables companies alongside people who work remotely for teams based elsewhere and came from across LA County. There’s a real appetite for more chances to meet people in the industry locally, and it was great to see those groups come together in one room. What were the biggest talking points from the panel? The surge in power demand from data centers was a big one, alongside the growth of EV charging in California and what it takes to turn buyer interest in storage into signed offtake agreements. Jaya Velamakanni raised a point that resonated with me about bringing legal teams in earlier. When timelines are tight and transactions are more complex, getting legal involved while the deal is still taking shape can help surface issues before they slow things down. Mabell Garcia brought a different perspective through her work with WRISE LA. She spoke about how much professional networks matter in this industry, especially for people trying to get in or take the next step in their careers. That landed particularly well in a room full of people who had come out to build those connections. What did the discussions tell you about where the clean energy market stands in 2026? I came away more optimistic than I would have a year ago. After a challenging 2025, the surge in power demand from data centers has brought fresh momentum to the clean energy market. It’s also made one question more urgent. How do we bring enough power online quickly and reliably while continuing to decarbonize the grid? That’s where I see a real opportunity for renewables, storage and flexible demand. Renewables can add generation, storage can make that power available when it’s needed most, and large customers can help manage peaks by shifting some of their demand. What felt different this year was how practical the conversation had become. People were asking what combinations can meet customers’ needs and what it will take to get those projects financed and built. Did any conversations reinforce or challenge what Piper Maddox has been hearing in the market? The panel largely reinforced what we’ve been hearing from clients and candidates. Jaya made an interesting point about what she sees now that she advises multiple businesses after working in-house. Whether you’re at a large IPP or running a smaller firm, many of the pressures are familiar. Timelines are tighter, deals are more complex, and teams are having to make decisions faster. From a hiring perspective, it reinforced the value of people who can work across functions and get involved early enough to help move a project forward. Looking ahead to RE+, what do you think will be the biggest conversations? I’ll be listening for how developers, investors and large power buyers plan to turn rising demand into projects that can get financed and built. On storage specifically, I’d love to pick up on a question we explored with Lewis Loomba. What takes a project from a buyer saying they’re interested to actually signing a long-term contract? I’ll report back after RE+ on where those conversations go. What could the future look like for G.E.N. by PM? We’ve already earmarked March 4 for the next G.E.N. by PM. We’ve heard from people who couldn’t make the first one and are keen to join us next time, as well as people who’d like to be on the panel. We’re shaping the next discussion around investment strategy in renewables, with the exact focus still to come. Longer term, I’d love for it to become a regular fixture for the LA clean energy community, where people can build relationships over time and keep the conversations going between events.

06 Oct 2026
renewable energy
spotlight
06 Oct 2026
Piper Maddox Announces Strategic Partnership with Stream Group

Piper Maddox is pleased to announce a new strategic partnership with Stream Group, an innovative provider of digital asset management and AI-driven decision intelligence solutions for the renewable energy sector. As renewable energy portfolios continue to grow in scale and complexity, asset owners and operators are increasingly focused on improving asset performance, operational efficiency and the value generated from existing operational data. Stream Group’s technology is designed to help organisations address these challenges by integrating data from existing SCADA, CMMS, BI, market and weather systems and transforming it into actionable insights. Its platforms, WindSTREAM and SolarSTREAM, are designed specifically for wind and solar portfolios. Key capabilities include: Operational data analysis to identify hidden performance losses and anomalies AI-driven root-cause analysis to support faster identification of issues Predictive maintenance and optimisation to improve O&M decision-making Portfolio-level visibility by bringing technical, financial and market data together Quantified decision-making, helping asset managers understand the financial impact of operational actions Advanced scenario modelling to support strategic decisions around O&M, repowering and asset performance A key differentiator is Stream Group’s approach of operating as an additional intelligence layer rather than replacing existing systems. The technology integrates with existing infrastructure, allowing asset owners to build on the systems and data they already have. Supporting the next stage of renewable asset management Through this partnership, Piper Maddox will combine its specialist renewable energy market expertise and extensive industry network with Stream Group’s digital capabilities. The partnership will enable Piper Maddox to support clients not only with their people and talent strategies, but also by connecting them with solutions that can help address wider challenges around asset performance, operational optimisation and digitalisation. Stream Group also offers a free two-week performance teardown using data from one anonymised plant, providing asset owners and operators with an opportunity to identify potential performance opportunities before making any wider commitment. If you are exploring digitalisation, asset optimisation or how to extract greater value from your existing renewable asset data, the Piper Maddox team would be happy to facilitate an introduction to Stream Group. For more details contact shane: s.monks@pipermaddox.com + 44 117 471 9352 https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanemonks/

18 Sept 2026
nuclear power
18 Sept 2026
Your next move should give you more: Building a career at Piper Maddox

Making a career move when things are already going well can be a difficult decision. You’ve built your experience, developed a network and found a way of working that delivers results. The question then becomes whether staying comfortable is still helping you grow. That was something Manny Osaba found himself thinking about before joining Piper Maddox. He already had a strong foundation in recruitment and was performing consistently. What he wanted next was the chance to learn a different way of doing the job, have more influence with his clients and build a reputation of his own within a specialist market. Since joining Piper Maddox, Manny has launched our technology vertical within nuclear energy, built a team around the market and is approaching his second promotion within 18 months. As we continue to hire experienced and senior recruiters into Piper Maddox, we asked Manny about the move, what he was looking for and what the experience has given him so far. What made you consider a move at that stage in your career? "My first business gave me great foundational training to become a good recruiter and find consistent success. I just had this feeling that I would never be able to see if there were any different ways about doing the job if I stayed there forever. I didn’t want to restrict myself to learning from just one company when there could be other ways of going about client development, candidate development etc. I wanted to take a step to join an established, proven player but at a business where I wasn’t going to get lost amongst 100s or thousands of people either." What were you looking for from your next company? "I wanted to feel like I had more influence in the ultimate success of what my clients were trying to do vs. just being one of 1000s of other agencies. I wanted to be seen as an expert for what I did. I wanted to join a business where I could really make a name for myself in the space. I wanted the business I joined to have a great reputation in the market." Why did Piper Maddox stand out to you? "Having employee ownership is fantastic. The general tone of the business is really well balanced between being like a highly professionalized consultancy with specialist recruitment networks and also a reasonable/easy-going place to work." What have you been able to build or take ownership of since joining? "I was the first person in Piper Maddox to launch our technology vertical around our nuclear energy offerings. I started as a C3 and am approaching my second promotion within 18 months of being in the business. I now have a team of 3 who support nuclear with me and have brought several project retainers/subscription services/and embedded projects into the business." What has changed most in your career since making the move? "My clients really count on my input for what is realistic/achievable in terms of their goals to scale and commercialize their products. I also have developed into a more confident, stronger, and well-rounded person." What would you say to an experienced recruiter who is already doing well where they are? "How do you know you can’t be doing better in one of the hottest markets in recruitment."

08 Jul 2026
renewable energy
podcast
08 Jul 2026
The Future is Clean: Hugh Gilmour on Building a Career in Renewable Energy

The Future is Clean is back, bringing together voices from across the clean energy industry to share insight, experience and perspective on the people, careers and conversations shaping the sector. At Piper Maddox, we work closely with the people and businesses driving the energy transition forward. Through The Future is Clean, we’re continuing those conversations, speaking with industry leaders about their career journeys, the challenges facing the market, and what the future could look like for clean energy. In this episode, Myles Whaley, Senior Recruitment Consultant: Renewable Energy - Northern Europe at Piper Maddox, is joined by Hugh Gilmour, Head of Development UK at Telis Energy, for a Quick-fire Careers conversation. Together, they discuss Hugh’s route into renewable energy, how the industry has developed, the biggest challenges facing the sector right now, and his advice for anyone looking to build a career in renewables. Meet the Guest: Hugh Gilmour Hugh Gilmour is Head of Development UK at Telis Energy, a developer of large-scale renewable energy schemes. Coming from a chartered surveying background, Hugh has built his career across the renewable energy sector, working on some of the UK’s most innovative and ambitious projects. Before joining Telis Energy, he worked with businesses including EDF and Dalcour Maclaren, gaining experience across development, land, infrastructure and large-scale clean energy projects. In this episode, Hugh shares a brilliant perspective on what it takes to build a career in renewable energy, how the sector has changed, and where the industry could be heading next. We hope you enjoy this episode of The Future is Clean. Want to listen to this episode on the go? Check out the links below: 🎧 Listen on Spotify Podcasts here.🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts here. Learn more about Telis Energy here. For career opportunities, market insight and more, visit: https://www.pipermaddox.com/jobs/ To reach out to the podcast host, contact Myles at m.whaley@pipermaddox.com.

23 Jun 2026
clean fuels
insight
23 Jun 2026
International Women in Engineering Day: Lacey Collins on visibility, role models and clean energy careers

International Women in Engineering Day is an opportunity to recognise the women helping to shape technical industries, but it is also a reminder of the work still needed to make these careers more visible, accessible and sustainable for the next generation. Across clean energy, engineering talent is playing a critical role in delivering the technologies, infrastructure and innovation needed for the energy transition. From renewable fuels and bioenergy to Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS), the sector depends on people who can solve complex problems and help move emerging technologies forward. But for the industry to keep progressing, it needs a broader range of people, perspectives and leadership styles shaping its future. We spoke to Lacey Collins, Divisional Manager - Renewable Fuels, Bioenergy & CCUS at Piper Maddox, about what drew her to clean energy, the barriers women still face in technical and male-dominated fields, and why representation matters when building long-term careers in the sector. What drew you to work in clean energy, particularly in such a technical and fast-evolving part of the industry? I was drawn to working in clean energy because of the passion shared by everyone in the industry. From my very first conversations with leaders in the space, it was clear that this field is driven by passion, integrity, and hard work From your experience, what are some of the barriers women still face when entering or progressing in engineering-related fields? The main barriers we see for women in male-dominated fields are a lack of representation or role models. It’s difficult for the first woman to pave the path for those behind her. Women also have more trouble as caregivers/parents with the hours, work environments, and inflexibility. Why do you think it’s important to spotlight women working in technical or male-dominated sectors like energy and engineering? When women see others succeeding in these spaces, it helps break down stereotypes and send the message that we all belong. Spotlighting women in industry also brings visibility to the unique perspectives, leadership styles, and innovations women contribute, which are essential for the growth and diversity of thought in any industry. Highlighting these stories helps pave the way for future generations and fosters a more inclusive, balanced workforce What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a woman looking to break into a clean energy or engineering-adjacent career? Find a role model/someone that can understand your position. A role model can help show that success is possible and show the blueprint for navigating any challenges that may come up.

30 Mar 2026
solar
event
30 Mar 2026
Infocast 2026: Key trends in Renewable Energy Finance & Investment

Infocast’s Solar + Wind Finance & Investment Summit once again brought the renewable energy finance community together in Phoenix, Arizona, with conversations spanning deal activity, investment strategy, and the evolving market landscape. Across the week, our consultants Thomas Cooper, Divisional Manager, and Nolan Cridge, Manager, Renewables, connected with clients and industry professionals to understand what’s really happening in the market right now. Here’s what they heard. 1. What were the main finance or investment topics people were talking about around Infocast week this year? The bulk of our conversations with new and existing clients emphasized there is still a tremendous amount of excitement and activity surrounding the renewable space. We are seeing our clients make a very strong push to secure tax equity partnerships for their existing assets, or offload via M&A projects that are earlier stage. Lots of portfolios are growing tremendously through M&A in the solar and storage space as well. 2. From the conversations you had, what are the biggest challenges currently affecting renewable energy project financing? The largest challenge seems to be from within the united states, many foreign countries are hesitant to invest within the united states due to policy changes and an uncertain investment terrain. This year is universally considered more stable, but still gives foreign entities hesitancy to put money back into US markets. 3. What trends are you seeing in the solar, wind or storage investment landscape right now? Overall it seems to continue to be business as usual, just on an accelerated timeline. That said, we had a significant amount of conversations surrounding the integration of AI to all levels of project development, project finance, and M&A transactions. This would likely lead to a downturn in junior level hiring and allow our clients to continue to get leaner. 4. From the people you spoke with, where are investors and developers seeing the biggest opportunities in the market? We are still hearing Solar and Storage as the big winners for the next few years. There are murmurs that Geothermal and Nuclear could be the next renewable assets to be heavily invested in, but there are still a significant number of hurdles to jump through here. 5. Any interesting perspectives or insights from the meetings you had that stood out? The general sentiment around the conference was very positive about the industry as a whole and where opportunity exists. Many of the hiring managers we spoke with express that hiring this year would likely be later in the summer or Q3, and those would be sparce. This year companies seem to be continuing to stay as lean as possible and any hire that is brought on is well thought out, and an extremely high priority. Across the conversations throughout the week, one thing was clear, the renewable energy market remains highly active, with strong momentum across solar, storage, and M&A. At the same time, the landscape is becoming more considered. Investment decisions are more measured, international capital remains cautious around US policy, and businesses are continuing to prioritise lean, high-impact teams. With growing interest in AI and early conversations around geothermal and nuclear, the market is evolving, not slowing. If you’re looking to understand how these trends could impact your team or hiring strategy, get in touch with the Piper Maddox team to continue the conversation.

30 Mar 2026
energy efficiency
interview
30 Mar 2026
The Clean Energy Six – Finance Edition: Tamara Bordeaux

The Clean Energy Six, Finance Edition highlights the people working behind the financial and strategic decisions shaping the energy transition. In this series, Skye Shaffer, Associate Recruitment Consultant at Piper Maddox, speaks with professionals across the renewable energy finance ecosystem to explore their career journeys, the projects that have defined them, and the opportunities they see for the future of clean energy. In this edition, we spoke with Tamara Bordeaux, a clean energy finance professional with over nine years of experience spanning financial services and renewable energy. After beginning her career at UBS, Tamara transitioned into the energy sector to pursue work more closely aligned with her passion for combating climate change. She has since built a diverse background across community solar, utility-scale development, and M&A at AES, where she worked on complex transactions and large-scale projects across the U.S. More recently, she expanded her experience into emerging technologies at Blue Energy, where she was part of the commercial team at a nuclear-focused startup, working across origination, development, and financial modeling. Now at Greenvolt Power, Tamara continues to focus on project finance and M&A, bringing a well-rounded perspective across both established and next-generation energy solutions. 1. When did you start your career in renewable energy or clean tech, and why did you get into the industry? I started my career in renewable energy in January 2021. Before that, I was working in wealth management and financial services, but I wanted to pivot into something more aligned with my interests and passions - specifically, fighting climate change. The energy industry offered a strong intersection between finance and impact, and it felt like a space where I could apply my background while contributing to something meaningful. 2. What was a pivotal moment or project that defined your path in this industry? A pivotal moment for me was working on the Belfield project, which at the time was the largest permitted solar and storage project in the U.S., at around 2 gigawatts. AES acquired it from Avantus, and I had the opportunity to work on the transaction as an associate. It was a very large, complex, and long-running deal, and it really opened my eyes to how intricate the M&A side of the renewable energy industry can be. What stood out most was the collaborative nature of the process - working closely with counterparties to solve problems together. It was also the first time I was able to build meaningful relationships with a counterparty, and it showed me how important those relationships are in getting deals done. That combination of complexity, collaboration, and relationship-building really defined my path and interest in this space. 3. What excites you most about working in renewables or clean tech today? There is a very real and growing need for power - especially zero-carbon power - in both the U.S. and globally. Renewables are one of the fastest and most proven ways to reduce carbon emissions and fight climate change, so it’s an incredibly impactful space to be in. There’s also a significant increase in demand for power driven by technological growth, including AI. What’s unique right now is that we’re still building the physical infrastructure needed to support that demand, while also benefiting from advancements in AI and software ourselves. For example, AI is helping enhance financial modeling and improve efficiency in areas like transaction document review. It feels like we’re in a position where we get the best of both worlds - building critical infrastructure while leveraging cutting-edge tools. 4. What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in renewable energy and what did you learn from it? One of the biggest challenges I faced was transitioning from traditional renewables - primarily solar and storage - into nuclear, specifically the small modular reactor (SMR) space. While there were transferable skills, nuclear presents a very different set of challenges. In solar and storage, processes are well established and costs continue to come down. With nuclear, particularly new nuclear development, it’s more like rebuilding an industry from the ground up in the U.S. There are challenges around developing supply chains, advancing new technologies, and working on much longer timelines - often into the 2030s. It also requires navigating significant policy and regulatory dependencies. This experience pushed me to think more long-term, approach problems more creatively, and become comfortable working in areas with less precedent. It was both challenging and incredibly rewarding. 5. Looking 5–10 years ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunities for growth in renewable energy? One of the biggest opportunities is improving transmission infrastructure and the interconnection process in the U.S. Upgrading the grid will be critical to enabling more projects to come online efficiently. I also see strong potential in co-located solutions - bringing power generation closer to where it’s consumed, such as near data centers. As demand for energy continues to rise, proximity to load will become increasingly important. Overall, I don’t think it’s about one technology winning out - we’ll need a mix of solar, storage, wind, nuclear, and geothermal to meet demand. The real opportunity lies in how we build, connect, and optimize across all of these. 6. If someone wanted to break into renewable energy finance, what’s the one piece of advice you’d give? Be willing to take on any role to get your foot in the door - even if it means taking a step back in title or seniority. That’s what I did, and I have no regrets. Renewable energy is very much a learn-by-doing industry. While coursework and reading are helpful, the most valuable experience comes from working on real projects. I’d also emphasize the importance of networking. It’s a relatively small industry, and people are generally approachable. Building connections can go a long way in opening doors and helping you navigate your career. Tamara’s career reflects the evolving nature of the clean energy landscape - from established renewable technologies to emerging solutions like nuclear. With experience across large-scale transactions, development, and startup environments, she brings a well-rounded perspective on where the industry is today and where it’s headed. As demand for clean, reliable power continues to grow, her insights highlight both the challenges and the significant opportunities ahead.

16 Mar 2026
energy efficiency
interview
16 Mar 2026
The Clean Energy Six – Finance Edition: Samuel Woo

The Clean Energy Six, Finance Edition highlights the people working behind the financial and strategic decisions shaping the energy transition. In this series, Skye Shaffer, Associate Recruitment Consultant at Piper Maddox, speaks with professionals across the renewable energy finance ecosystem to explore their career journeys, the projects that have defined them, and the opportunities they see for the future of clean energy. Our first guest is Samuel Woo, Senior Analyst, Investment Analytics at Cypress Creek Renewables. After serving as a Marine Corps officer overseas, Sam transitioned into renewable energy in 2022. Today, he focuses on evaluating and modelling renewable energy projects, helping ensure that the infrastructure being built today is both economically viable and designed to power homes and businesses for decades to come. When did you start your career in renewable energy or clean tech, and why did you get into the industry? I started my transition to clean energy in 2022. I was a Marine Corps officer at the time and was deployed in Syria in 2021 for about eight months supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, NATO’s mission to counter ISIS in Iraq and Syria. I was operating out of a region known for a lot of oil extraction. The oil industry is a key part of that region’s economy, and seeing the fossil fuel industry up close - seeing the physical consequences of it - had a pivotal impact on me as I was figuring out my next professional steps. At the same time, the Inflation Reduction Act was heavily in the news. Seeing the impact up close and hearing about the momentum happening in clean energy kind of lined up. I wanted to take the skills I learned in the Marine Corps and apply them to energy security, which I thought was really important. Clean energy appealed to me because while every energy source has pros and cons, it wasn’t as pollutant as fossil fuels. So it was a combination of energy security and building something long-term that I felt was a net positive to the world. What was a pivotal moment or project that defined your path in this industry? One pivotal moment was driving through the region in Syria and seeing the pollution related to oil fields - waterways glistening with oil runoff, smoke in the air, fires tied to extraction. That definitely impacted me. From a more recent perspective, I helped model four projects that we bid into an RFP with a major utility, and they were shortlisted. That was exciting because it’s the closest I’ve gotten to getting projects built. Modeling those four projects and getting them close to offtake reaffirmed why I’m in the industry - building long-term sustainable infrastructure that will last decades. What excites you most about working in renewable or clean tech today? It’s knowing I get to play a part in building infrastructure that will last decades - powering homes and businesses. Every project that moves toward COD or offtake is another step toward building resilient, diverse energy systems. As energy demand increases, it’s good to know that part of our infrastructure is based on renewable, clean energy. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in the renewable energy space, and what did you learn from it? The biggest challenge was recommending the termination of a project for the first time. A big part of my job is evaluating project-level economics to make sure a project makes financial sense. Terminating a project was tough because we join this industry to build renewable projects - not cancel them. But I learned that we can’t build projects randomly. There has to be strategy behind it. It has to make sense for the customer and for the company. If projects don’t make economic sense, they can raise energy prices or hurt the company long-term, which limits our ability to build more projects. So I learned to understand the macro-level economics of each project and how it impacts the grid. It’s great to build, but we have to build responsibly and feasibly. Looking ahead 5–10 years, where do you see the biggest opportunities for growth in renewable energy? I think it’s finding ways to adapt and meet customer needs. Market signals show we need firm, reliable energy. One solution is long-duration energy storage, and currently battery energy storage systems (BESS). Being creative and innovative to meet market needs is exciting. Long-duration energy storage is the most exciting area for me right now. More broadly, it’s about adapting to emerging technologies and building firm, reliable energy solutions. If someone wanted to break into the space, what is the one piece of advice you would give them? Learn as much as possible about project-level economics. That includes how projects make money - PPAs, offtake contracts, revenue, expenses, capex, and opex. Also understand capital structures because they’re complex and getting more complex. That means understanding tax equity structures, debt structures, and traditional project finance. Understanding revenue drivers, cost structures, tax equity, and debt are the fundamentals of every project. Huge thank you to Sam for taking the time to share his story and perspective. From serving overseas to now working on the financial and strategic side of renewable energy projects, his path is a reminder that this industry is built by people with very different backgrounds, all working toward something long-term. Thoughtful, disciplined development is just as important as ambition in this space, and Sam brings both. We are xcited to see the projects he helps bring to life in the years ahead!

19 Jan 2026
press release
19 Jan 2026
Celebrating 10 Years of Piper Maddox

A decade of purpose, growth and impact in clean energy talent This year marks ten years of Piper Maddox, one of LHi Group’s fastest growing specialist brands, built with a clear purpose, to support the global clean energy transition and help protect the future of our planet through exceptional talent solutions.Founded in 2015 by Alex Cohen under the LHi Group, Piper Maddox was created with a belief that recruitment could be more than a commercial service, it could be a platform for positive change. From the outset, the brand committed fully to renewable energy and cleantech, stepping away from fossil fuels entirely and aligning its growth with the industries actively decarbonising the world. Over the past decade, Piper Maddox has become a trusted partner to some of the world’s most innovative clean energy organisations across the US and Europe, helping them build the teams shaping how energy is generated, stored and consumed. Its rapid growth reflects not only market demand, but the strength of its mission, culture and people, proof that purpose-led businesses scale with impact. At its core, Piper Maddox is driven by the belief that recruitment can be a force for good, contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future, one hire, one partnership and one business at a time. From Vision to Global Brand As the energy sector began shifting towards renewables, it became clear that traditional recruitment models were struggling to keep pace with the urgency of change. The clean energy transition demanded specialist knowledge, speed and long-term thinking, not legacy approaches. Recognising this opportunity, Alex Cohen and LHi Group Founder, Tom Glanfield aligned on a shared ambition to build a recruitment brand dedicated entirely to clean energy and sustainability. Combining entrepreneurial platform, leadership and a strong cultural foundation, Piper Maddox was born as a values-led business designed to create long-term impact. From those early beginnings, the brand has expanded rapidly across Europe and North America, building leadership teams united by a shared purpose to accelerate the energy transition and support companies working to decarbonise the planet. “The success of Piper Maddox reflects what’s possible when purpose, people and platform align. It’s been incredible to watch the brand grow into a true global leader in clean energy and cleantech recruitment.” ~ Alex Cohen, US Brand Leader Specialist Expertise at Scale Today, Piper Maddox is home to more than 80 specialist consultants delivering talent solutions across: Renewable Energy Energy Storage eMobility Clean Fuels Nuclear Power Energy Trading Sustainability Energy Management and Grid Resiliency Sustainable Aviation Operating with a specialist, quality-first mindset, the brand combines deep market expertise, proactive headhunting and extensive global networks to deliver consistently high-quality outcomes for clients operating in highly competitive markets. With offices in New York, Los Angeles, Austin, Miami, London, Bristol, Berlin and Munich, Piper Maddox provides global reach supported by strong local market expertise across North America and Europe, including the UK, DACH, Benelux and Southern Europe. Evolving into a Talent Solutions Partner In line with LHi Group’s wider evolution, Piper Maddox has grown beyond traditional recruitment into a full talent solutions partner, supporting clients at every stage of scale and maturity through: Permanent and contract recruitment Executive search Subscription hiring models Embedded talent solutions Consulting services through Expert Project Solutions (XPS) This integrated approach enables clients to scale efficiently while maintaining quality, consistency and long-term workforce planning. “Over the past decade, Piper Maddox has matured into a true strategic partner for our clients. The next phase is about continuing to innovate and scaling our impact globally.” ~ Tom Clarke, UK & Europe Brand Leader Looking Ahead: Building a Lasting Legacy As Piper Maddox celebrates its ten-year anniversary, the brand continues to play a critical role in supporting the organisations building a cleaner, more resilient energy future. As one of LHi Group’s fastest growing brands, its success reflects the power of aligning commercial performance with meaningful purpose. By supporting companies whose missions centre on decarbonisation, sustainability and innovation, Piper Maddox is helping shape the legacy LHi aims to leave, protecting the future, enabling progress and proving that business can be a force for positive change. Interested in partnering with Piper Maddox?👉 Discover how their talent solutions can support your organisation’s growth by emailing info@pipermaddox.com Thinking about joining the journey?👉 Explore current opportunities across the Piper Maddox brand and become part of a business making real-world impact. Click here!

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