BSR - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Electrical Engineer Commissioning
Since May 2021, Aakash has provided valuable on-site contributions as a Commissioning Electrical Engineer, including assisting in grid connection, quality management, commissioning and compliance testing. Aakash also assists with the operation and maintenance activities of all BSR Australia's solar assets.
"As humans, let's be aware of the footprint we leave on Mother Earth. Utilising natural resources to improve our world is crucial. I'm contributing to the renewable industry as an electrical engineer - hope you're making a positive impact too."
In my role as a Commissioning Manager, I bring a wealth of expertise in overseeing the final stages of project execution. With a keen focus on system integration and functionality, I lead teams to seamlessly transition from construction to operational phases. My dedication to precision and efficiency ensures that our projects not only meet but exceed expectations, fostering a reputation for reliability and excellence within the industry.
"As a Renewable Energy Commissioning Manager, I'm dedicated to harnessing the power of precision and expertise to illuminate the path towards sustainable energy solutions. Guiding projects from inception to operational brilliance, I'm committed to shaping a future where clean energy not only sparks innovation but also lights up a brighter, eco-friendly tomorrow.""
As Development Director, Carla leads the comprehensive oversight of Site Acquisition, Grid Connections, New Energy Initiatives, and the Development of renewable and sustainable energy projects. Leading the dedicated BSRE team, Carla's role is pivotal in achieving company goals and objectives whilst prioritising health and safety, quality, and technical standards. As the solar industry matures and knowledge of best practice and opportunity grows, Carla is passionate about stirring the BSRE team in a way that maximises biodiversity opportunities that communities can be proud of. Carla hopes to inspire future generations to understand the benefits of solar and the importance of our industry in tackling climate change.
Charlie joined BSR in 2013, transitioning through the EPC team to become Director of EPC, Charlie makes sure our projects are delivered on time, on budget and to the highest possible standards of workmanship. When he's not working with the development team or external clients reviewing future schemes, he's busy overseeing the delivery of projects. Charlie and his team are currently managing hundreds of MW's of battery energy storage system and solar PV. Part of Charlie's track record includes some of the largest Battery and PV projects in the UK.
"I believe that we should be using more of the earth's renewable resources, rather than being dependent on finite resources. It's my personal mission to ensure we're building high quality, efficient projects that prioritise health and safety."
Job Titles:
- COO
- Development Director
- Director of Development
As Director of Development, Colin is in charge of locating and securing new development sites, managing the energy grid connection and obtaining consents. To date, the projects he's managed have delivered more than 500MWp of Solar PV within the UK. Colin is passionate about delivering projects from conception through to operation - he even managed the design, manufacture, installation and commissioning of a carbon fibre curing facility for the Airbus XWB A350 fuselage.
"I believe that we are responsible for making the transition to a carbon-neutral world for the benefit of future generations - and solar is a major factor in this journey."
Job Titles:
- Senior Electrical Engineer
As our electrical engineer, Connor is responsible for the design of our solar farms' electrical systems in Australia. He also provides engineering support throughout a project's lifecycle. He joined BSR Australia in October 2020 to work on our Northern Territory site and is excited to be part of Australia's transition to renewable energy.
"Australia is undergoing a rapid transformation, moving from conventional to renewable generation. As Australia's conventional generation assets are decommissioned, the power system has a strong need for solar. At BSR, I am excited to contribute to Australia's transition to renewable energy."
David has a wide range of experience in the energy industry including inverter design, overhead/underground line design, HVDC conceptual design and the connection of utility-scale projects across various technologies such as batteries, wind, solar and pumped hydro projects in Australia and the UK. In his previous roles at AEMO, David led the ARENA grid-forming battery initiative and the Commonwealth's summer readiness initiative to streamline the connection of new generation in time for summer peak demand.
"We are at the start of a new era in energy where large, centralised coal power stations are being replaced by renewable energy sources as we transition towards Net Zero. The decisions we make today will have long-lasting effects on our lives and future generations. I am committed together with BSR to delivering the best possible outcomes for our communities and the electricity grid."
Finola is fuelled by a passion for renewable energy and a vision of a sustainable, greener future. As a dedicated advocate for clean energy solutions, Finola is devoting her career to driving positive change in the world of renewables.
Job Titles:
- Deputy CEO
- Director of Legal
Having spent 14 years with Pinsent Masons LLP, Fran Button joined BSR as Director of Legal in 2015 and was promoted to Deputy CEO in 2021. While her specialism is in drafting and negotiating complex construction contracts, she's now heavily involved in the day-to-day running of the business, which includes, ESG, risk mitigation and finding innovative solutions to increase the efficiency of our projects.
"Sustainability and the ethical impact of our business is really important to me. BSR is at its heart a people business. We work hard to keep our people and our partners healthy and safe at work. When we develop solar parks, we do so in a way that enhances biodiversity and accommodates and protects local ecology. I love that our solar parks are filled with wildflowers, skylarks, brown hares and even barn owls."
As CFO, Gary is responsible for the overall financial strategy of the BSR Group and has been pivotal to the group's expansion in international markets. He also manages the central services functions, including HR and IT. He's passionate about making BSR a place where people really want to work, while striving to ensure the business meets its full potential.
"I believe solar will significantly contribute to the world's ever-increasing energy needs, as well as the global ambitions of net zero carbon emissions and increasing biodiversity. Solar is an amazing solution to the energy need - one that benefits us all."
Kris is passionate about the global renewable energy industry and eager to utilise his professional skills and dynamic knowledge to an organisation serving this growing market.
Prior to joining the BSR team in 2024, Mackenzie worked as a solicitor in private practice specialising in commercial litigation and disputes. Transitioning from private practice to in-house, Mackenzie uses her experience in private practice to provide strategic, commercial and solution-orientated advice to BSR, to support BSR's growth in the renewable energy sector. Mackenzie was admitted as a solicitor in the Supreme Court of Queensland and High Court of Australia in 2021.
Job Titles:
- Director of Post Construction
As BSR's Director of Post Construction, Mark oversees our operations and maintenance activities and ensures we're meeting our O&M and EPC contractual liabilities once a build is completed. His own career within solar has seen him move from working on-site as a trainee site manager, where he gained first-hand experience of the build process, to IAC and Fac Manager to leading his own team. Today, he wants to help everyone gain a better broader understanding of the industry, and all of its complexities.
Job Titles:
- Portfolio Director
- Director of Energy Strategy
Mark's primary role at BSR is to ensure we remain as innovative and competitive as possible. This involves understanding the commercial impact of design changes or new technologies, and ensuring we get the best deals when it comes to selling the power from our solar parks. He even secured a 15-year PPA for the power output from Wroughton Solar Park, which increased its value by around £3m and will supply HSBC with enough energy to power their Canary Wharf offices for 15 years.
"From a young age, I have been concerned about the world's response to climate change. Specifically, I want to ensure that we can replace as much carbon intensive energy sources with low carbon sources - and do it with the most pioneering projects possible. Whilst I am passionate about low carbon technology in general, solar makes particular sense to me, as all energy is fundamentally derived from the sun."
As our Development Manager, Melissa manages prospective and current pipeline projects, liaising with local government, landowners, and the wider project community. She oversees the development of projects, from the first phase through to the beginning of construction, engaging with specialist consultants, reviewing technical reports and building project risk assessments. In fact, she was part of the small team that built Australia's first large-scale solar and battery storage project. Melissa also manages BSR Australia's workplace health and safety and the Integrated Management System, which includes ISO 45001, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001.
Job Titles:
- Development Director Australia
Merlin has played a pivotal role in the growth of BSR Australia - from our days working from a shipping container in Somerset, to realising solar farms in the remote and challenging Australian outback. His role today sees him identifying, pursuing, and realising business opportunities for BSR in Australia. He's passionate about developing quality and enduring renewable projects, in a way that cares for the communities around them, while maximising benefits for all stakeholders.
Job Titles:
- Chief Innovation Officer
- Chief Investment Officer
Michael is the Chief Investment Officer of BSR. In this role he is responsible for investment, structuring, financing and expansion of the BSR business.
Prior to joining BSR in 2023, Michael has held various investment and management roles within the energy and infrastructure sectors. He has over 20 years of experience investing in and managing power generation businesses globally.
Michael holds a Masters of Business, from UNSW in Sydney and BA, Business from UTS in Sydney, Australia.
Job Titles:
- Design and Engineering Director
Job Titles:
- Managing Director Australia
Job Titles:
- Commercial and Investment Director
Job Titles:
- Construction Project Manager