Introducing our new Low Carbon & Renewables Director
We're excited to welcome Daniel Brook as WeConnect's Director for the Low Carbon and Renewables sector.
January 8, 2024
Intro from our CEO – Richard Madden
Both the WeConnect Energy team and I are thrilled to welcome Daniel Brook as our new Director for the Low Carbon and Renewables sector. Based in Dubai, Dan brings with him a wealth of experience in these industries, as well as extensive expertise in the field of energy recruitment. Our team is excited to welcome Dan, who will be spearheading our growth in these new sectors, marking a significant addition to our global presence and capabilities. I hope you enjoy the piece below which is followed by a Q&A, where Dan sheds some light on his professional journey, his decision to join WeConnect Energy, and his high-level plans for 2024.
A Note from Daniel
2024 marks a significant milestone for WeConnect Energy as we unveil our dedicated Low Carbon and Renewables vertical. This strategic initiative is in response to the growing demand for skilled professionals in the renewable energy sector, particularly as more companies integrate sustainable practices into their operations. I have been brought in to help shape this initiative, and our initial focus will be on Offshore Wind and Hydrogen, sectors poised for exponential growth. This division will be custom-built to address the evolving energy recruitment needs of the industry, ensuring that we stay ahead of the curve in a dynamic marketplace, and continuing to connect top-tier candidates with leading companies worldwide.
I am excited to be part of WeConnect Energy’s new chapter as a newly appointed Director of Low Carbon & Renewables. Our focus now extends beyond traditional paradigms, embracing the challenges and opportunities presented by the emerging renewable energy sector. This move signifies not just an adaptation to the changing energy landscape but a bold commitment to lead at the forefront of low carbon and innovative energy sources.
Our expansion into these new sectors is a response to the evolving landscape of the energy industry, marked by significant advancements and shifts towards more sustainable practices. As the industry transforms, WeConnect Energy is not just keeping pace, but setting the agenda for the future of energy recruitment – I'm looking forward to playing my part in this.
WeConnect Energy’s mission is simple, clear, and one that resonates with me: to connect the world’s energy experts. Recognising the need for specialised talent to drive breakthroughs in this arena, WeConnect Energy is committed to identifying and nurturing the right individuals who can pioneer the energy industry, I am hoping to build upon my established networks to do just that.
I am thankful to WeConnect Energy’s leadership team, who clearly have the confidence and ambition to embrace the opportunities presented by the evolving energy landscape, with a number of new and eager hires brought in to help WeConnect Energy service these sectors. I am excited about this new chapter in this company's journey; the team and I look forward to continuing to provide the market with the same exceptional service they’ve come to expect from WeConnect Energy.
The Energy Transition will be the biggest challenge our industry has faced. Attracting, developing and nurturing the right skills is an essential part of ensuring we can meet our ambitious decarbonisation targets. Our mission is simple, we are here to match our clients to the talent and skills they require to unlock organisational growth. I’d love to speak with any professionals in the low carbon and renewables sector that may require our support on any new initiatives or ongoing projects. You can reach me on d.brook@weconnectenergy.com, or connect with me on LinkedIn.
Thank you,
Dan
Q&A
Hey Dan! Tell us a bit about yourself, your journey in the recruitment/energy sector and what inspired you to pursue this career path?
Truth be told, I’ve always been interested in the Power industry, which led to me studying Engineering at Loughborough University, I started my recruitment career in London setting up a conventional power desk for a startup energy focussed recruitment consultancy, before relocating to Western Australia in 2012. I had 4 years in Perth working for well-established multinational organisations focussing on the Oil and Gas industry, before moving to Dubai to be closer to home in 2016 and starting an Operations Director role focused on Power, Renewables and Alternative Energy sectors across the Middle East region, which I've developed over an 8 year period.
What motivated you to join WeConnect Energy?
I got in contact with Richard and Peter and was impressed with their ambition and vision, and felt we had a lot of shared values. I missed the startup vibe, and saw an opportunity to grow something from zero by taking a small team on a journey of their personal and professional development. I felt it was a great opportunity for me to have an impact.
What is your vision for the WCE's future in low carbon and renewable energy?
Our vision is to become the market leaders in specialist staffing in the Low Carbon and Renewable Energy industry, building a highly capable team who are recognised as professional, responsible, knowledgeable industry experts When people think of Low Carbon and Renewable Energy recruitment, they will think of WeConnect Energy.
What excites you the most about working in renewable energy right now?
The opportunities in Renewable Energy are huge, with COP 28 calling for the tripling of investment in Renewables between now and 2030. Whilst it’s a big opportunity, there's also a lot of work to be done to ensure the industry has access to the right talent, and the staffing industry has a big part to play in the renewables industry meeting its targets. Put simply, it's an opportunity to play a small part in securing the future of our planet, and providing a valued and much needed service to the industry.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career within the low carbon and renewable energy recruitment world?
Reach out to me and have a chat! The renewables industry is not an easy ride, be prepared to work hard, but benefit from the huge opportunities the market has to offer. I firmly believe that there are strong career prospects in renewables for those who are willing to put the work in in the infancy of the industry.
Where do you see the future of low carbon and renewable energy heading in the next decade?
We are at a pivotal moment in the Low Carbon and Renewables industry, the way we interact with the world will change with the energy transition playing a huge part in all our lives in the next decade. I’d love the see hydrogen become our predominant fuel for heavy transportation, and investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure is sure to increase.
With an increase in renewable energy, energy storage systems will need to play a part in grid stabilisation, so expect to see huge development in battery technology, as well as more micro-grid and off-grid developments.
Are there any particular events you look forward to attending in 2024?
I will be attending the Offshore Wind Glasgow conference in January as well as World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi in April. I look forward to attending Middle East Solar Industry Association (MESIA) events throughout the year as well as COP29 in Baku towards the end of the year.
And finally, if you were on a desert island and could only take 3 things with you, what would they be and why?
Cycling has always been a big part of my life, so I’d take a mountain bike with some fat tyres to cope with the dunes. I’d take a Bluetooth speaker so I can take advantage of there being nobody around the blast out some antisocial house music. Lastly, a decent BBQ would be great for dinner under the stars.
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