Challenges in the energy and natural resources sector
It is well documented that as our consumption of natural resources and energy increases to ‘fuel’ our desire for economic growth, so to does our risk of environmental disaster - as evidenced with the recent Gulf of Mexico tragedy in 2010.
It is also clear that our efforts to date to balance our consumption with the creation of alternative and renewable fuel sources have not been as successful as we would wish. Whilst funding for clean energy is certainly at a record level (some $243bn in 2010), output levels are still much lower than are needed to redress the balance and economic cuts have slowed their progress further. Instead of having to pay $20bn+ for the clean up in the Gulf of Mexico, could larger, global companies not divert greater resources into looking at increasing our development of clean energy technology?
Whilst the policy makers and the investment community debate how best to solve our (global) energy problems, there does seem to be an increasing trend towards energy efficiency in areas such as smart grid and LED lighting providing an alternative to the investment drain of renewables, solar and wind power alternatives.
Implications for the executive recruitment market
There is still a need for top talent in the traditional industries across most disciplines, but the emergence of PE or VC backed ‘smart’ technology business looking at cleantech and alternative energy sources brings with it a sharper focus of requirement. Current and previous experience in these technologies is becoming paramount in the quest to provide that USP to secure requisite funding.
Our response
Michael Page Executive Search has leveraged its specialist market knowledge and extensive network to successfully fulfil a variety of mandates including:
- AIM listed renewable company – Head operations
- AIM listed mining company – CEO
- Privately owned energy provider – Finance director
- AIM listed mining company – CFO
- FTSE 100 mining company – Head of corporate development
For a clearer picture of how we do things, please read our case study
