Our people

Kirsty

Senior Land Manager

As a Senior Land Manager, my primary role is managing relationships with landowners under option agreements. I work closely with farmers, discussing how our wind farm proposals will impact their land. My day involves negotiating legal agreements with landowners and their agents, ensuring we can move forward with our projects.

Training and Background:
I earned a RICS-accredited BSc Hons degree in Rural Enterprise and Land Management from Harper Adams University in 2007. My career started with a graduate role at the National Trust in North Wales, followed by work in private practice and the Forestry Commission.

What I Enjoy About Working in Renewable Energy:
I love exploring beautiful parts of the countryside and meeting fascinating people. Working in renewable energy is exciting, as it brings significant investment to rural areas. I’m passionate about supporting the sustainability of these areas and ensuring the future of farming remains secure amidst changing times.

Dafydd

Senior Project Manager

As a Project Manager, I focus on advancing projects by managing risks, budgets, and timelines. I oversee a small team and coordinate with a network of consultants and internal experts. Additionally, I report to the business and seek approval for key actions and strategies.

Training and Background:
My passion for science and geography led me to study City and Regional Planning at Cardiff University, where I earned both a degree and a Master’s. I gained experience in the public sector and worked as a planning and environmental consultant on various large-scale projects. I became a Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute and transitioned to renewable energy about 15 years ago. In 2021, I joined Bute Energy to be part of impactful projects in Wales.

What I Enjoy About Working in Renewable Energy:
I find the renewable energy sector dynamic and inspiring, with professionals dedicated to making a positive impact. It’s rewarding to work in a field that aligns with my passion for sustainability and to collaborate with exceptional colleagues.

Sophie

Associate Project Manager

My main responsibility is to ensure that all components of our projects are well-coordinated and meet the highest standards. Project programme management, scope management, and governance are crucial in ensuring successful project delivery. I oversee feasibility studies, technical surveys, and environmental impact assessments, maintaining monthly reports and risk registers, managing third-party contracts, and coordinating cross-functional efforts to keep all project elements aligned.

Training and Background:
I entered the renewable energy sector two years ago, focusing on Grid projects, which provided valuable insights into the technical and logistical challenges of integrating renewable energy. This experience led me to explore the onshore wind sector, where I saw an opportunity to contribute to sustainable energy development. Joining Bute Energy has allowed me to rapidly grow in this innovative field.

What I Enjoy About Working in Renewable Energy:
I enjoy the dynamic nature of renewable energy projects, which keeps me engaged and learning. The knowledge that my work directly impacts reducing carbon emissions and advancing clean energy solutions gives me a strong sense of purpose.

Ben

Strategic Planning and Consents Director

I develop and implement the overall consenting strategy for Bute Energy’s portfolio and its associated infrastructure. I oversee the early stages of site development, from land identification to initial design, before handing projects over to the Development Team for planning and construction. I meet with people at both project and board levels, engage with statutory consultees and industry bodies like Renewables UK, participate in project consultation events, and respond to Welsh Government consultations on planning matters. I also meet with consultants and contractors.

Training and Background:
I studied Human Geography, where a module on Town & Country Planning sparked my interest in becoming a planner. After my undergraduate degree and some travel, I completed an MSc in City & Regional Planning. I started my career as a Graduate Planner at a consultancy and have been passionate about it ever since.

What I Enjoy About Renewable Energy:
I love knowing that our work makes a real difference. Even in a small way, I feel like I’m contributing to saving the planet, and I proudly tell my kids that I go to work to help save the world!

Rhys

External Affairs Manager

My primary role is to build and maintain Bute Energy’s relationships with communities and decision-makers, ensuring we are seen as an ambitious, responsible, and community-focused developer. This includes coordinating with key stakeholders, such as local politicians, and managing Bute Energy’s profile in the media and within the renewable energy sector to establish us as a leading developer in Wales.

Training and Background:
With a strong interest in politics and communications, I’ve been involved in local campaigns, developed online resources for young people, and participated in youth and student political activities. I studied public policy at university and gained experience by volunteering at the Senedd and other Welsh political organisations to deepen my understanding of decision-making in Wales.

What I Enjoy About Working in Renewable Energy:
I enjoy the fast pace and ambition of my work. Addressing the climate and energy crises is a critical challenge for our generation, and I’m proud to contribute meaningfully to this cause.

Catryn

Director of Community Investment and Communications

I lead the design and delivery of our community investment strategy and external affairs strategy. My focus is on ensuring that communities benefit from the investments our portfolio represents and that we effectively communicate our initiatives and values to a broad range of stakeholders.

Training and Background:
I have extensive experience in the third sector, having worked in social housing and managing a charity, where I designed social programs to help people thrive. My strengths in team building, creative problem-solving, and relationship-building enable me to passionately advocate for our work.

What I Enjoy About Working in Renewable Energy:
I’m passionate about the positive impact our portfolio has on the climate, nature, and communities across Cymru. The opportunities for community-led social investment, job creation, skills development, and strengthening the Welsh supply chain and third sector are incredibly rewarding.

Cerys

Brand and Digital Manger

Renewable energy projects can be complex, and it’s important that people can easily understand what’s happening and why. My role helps ensure information is clear, accurate and easy to access, so communities feel informed and able to engage with our projects.
I manage our brand in a practical sense through design and content – and by ensuring we tell our story in a way that’s engaging, consistent and tailored to different digital channels.

How did you get into this line of work?
I’ve worked at major national organisations in Wales including S4C, Urdd and Sport Wales.  I’m passionate about working for an organisation that has a potential significant impact on people’s lives in Wales. I enjoy turning complex things into engaging, accessible content and so when I saw this opportunity at Bute Energy – it offered what I wanted in a job role and I have the background in storytelling, content creation, brand and communications to deliver it.

What do you enjoy about working in renewables?
There are two things I look for in a job role: Pace and purpose. This role and this place gives me both in abundance.  Coming from a public sector background – I’ve relished the speed and guts at which Bute Energy operates and, after all – the climate crisis isn’t waiting around until we catch up.

Biba

Social Mobility Partner

My day-to-day responsibilities involve meeting the communities around our energy park sites and speaking to the organisations about the yrgency to develop net-zero skills and employability opportunities due to the quickening pace of renewable infrastructure in the UK.    I also engage with youth groups on how we can best support them and ensure that they are part of our journey to help reach net-zero targets.

 How did you get into this line of work? 

Simply, I love helping people and I have always been interested in community initiatives. I have worked with young people since the start of my career and have been in the higher education sector for 10 years. But, when I realised that this type of job existed in renewables, it was a no brainer for me to still feel that I am making a difference but also contributing to tackling the climate change crisis.

What do you enjoy about working in renewables?

I think the best thing is that there is a place for everyone, you don’t have to be an engineer or have a technical role.  There is a vast range of jobs within the industry. Moreover, I believe that the climate change emergency is one of the world’s most pressing issues so therefore it is important for me to play my part!