People
Mike Reynolds
CEO, UK
Mike Reynolds was appointed CEO of Gren Energy Ltd in June 2023, overseeing the business’s entry into the UK market, and its growing portfolio of assets and partnerships. He is committed to ensuring Gren plays a key role in providing local, affordable green energy to UK communities and businesses, leveraging Gren’s expertise as a market leader in district energy in Northern Europe.
Mike brings 20 years of experience working at the cutting edge of the energy transition in Europe and North America. He has a track record of driving investment, launching new products, establishing businesses in new markets and achieving sustainable growth. As Managing Director of Vattenfall Heat UK from 2018 to 2023, he oversaw its growth from concept to operational business. He previously held directorships at SSE in B2B energy services and led the international expansion of Natural Capital Partners on the US West Coast.
Mike develops clear visions and compelling business strategies and translates them into competitive advantage and commercial success. He builds and empowers strong teams and creates entrepreneurial, talent-led cultures which drive business performance.
In his spare time, Mike is a keen amateur gardener and enjoys singing in and conducting choirs.
Mike Reynolds was appointed CEO of Gren Energy Ltd in June 2023, overseeing the business’s entry into the UK market, and its growing portfolio of assets and partnerships. He is committed to ensuring Gren plays a key role in providing local, affordable green energy to UK communities and businesses, leveraging Gren’s expertise as a market leader in district energy in Northern Europe.
Mike brings 20 years of experience working at the cutting edge of the energy transition in Europe and North America. He has a track record of driving investment, launching new products, establishing businesses in new markets and achieving sustainable growth. As Managing Director of Vattenfall Heat UK from 2018 to 2023, he oversaw its growth from concept to operational business. He previously held directorships at SSE in B2B energy services and led the international expansion of Natural Capital Partners on the US West Coast.
Mike develops clear visions and compelling business strategies and translates them into competitive advantage and commercial success. He builds and empowers strong teams and creates entrepreneurial, talent-led cultures which drive business performance.
In his spare time, Mike is a keen amateur gardener and enjoys singing in and conducting choirs.
Jennifer Holgate
Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel, UK
Jenn Holgate joined the Gren Energy Ltd team in September 2023 as Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel. Her role is to oversee all legal matters in the UK, which includes any company contracts, compliance, risk, company secretarial matters and corporate governance. Particularly, Jenn works commercially and pragmatically to achieve a growth-led outcome whilst managing risks on behalf of the business. She develops a collaborative, approachable and straightforward way of negotiating terms in a dynamic market.
Previously Senior Legal Counsel at Vattenfall, Jenn brings 14 years of experience in law, specialising in infrastructure, renewable energy, project management, parliamentary drafting, diligence, litigation, delivery and advocacy. Prior to her in-house career, Jenn worked at Pinsent Masons, Eversheds Sutherland and Womble Bond Dickinson on a variety of clean energy and infrastructure projects, whilst also undertaking work within the National Infrastructure Commission, amongst other policy-based initiatives.
Originally Welsh born and bred, Jenn now lives in Cornwall with her husband and young son. She loves hiking, swimming in the sea, playing the saxophone and sampling the odd Cornish cider.
Jenn Holgate joined the Gren Energy Ltd team in September 2023 as Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel. Her role is to oversee all legal matters in the UK, which includes any company contracts, compliance, risk, company secretarial matters and corporate governance. Particularly, Jenn works commercially and pragmatically to achieve a growth-led outcome whilst managing risks on behalf of the business. She develops a collaborative, approachable and straightforward way of negotiating terms in a dynamic market.
Previously Senior Legal Counsel at Vattenfall, Jenn brings 14 years of experience in law, specialising in infrastructure, renewable energy, project management, parliamentary drafting, diligence, litigation, delivery and advocacy. Prior to her in-house career, Jenn worked at Pinsent Masons, Eversheds Sutherland and Womble Bond Dickinson on a variety of clean energy and infrastructure projects, whilst also undertaking work within the National Infrastructure Commission, amongst other policy-based initiatives.
Originally Welsh born and bred, Jenn now lives in Cornwall with her husband and young son. She loves hiking, swimming in the sea, playing the saxophone and sampling the odd Cornish cider.
Joseph Scott
Chief Operating Officer, UK
Joe Scott is responsible for leading strategy, implementation and overall business performance in the UK.
With a background in engineering, Joe brings over 10 years’ experience working in a broad range of predominantly project roles across the energy sector. Starting his career as a graduate trainee at EON, he has led engineering projects on large scale generation (CCGT, coal) through to leading the commercial close and execution of large-scale district heating projects for Vattenfall.
In his spare time, Joe enjoys watching sport and attempting to play golf.
Joe Scott is responsible for leading strategy, implementation and overall business performance in the UK.
With a background in engineering, Joe brings over 10 years’ experience working in a broad range of predominantly project roles across the energy sector. Starting his career as a graduate trainee at EON, he has led engineering projects on large scale generation (CCGT, coal) through to leading the commercial close and execution of large-scale district heating projects for Vattenfall.
In his spare time, Joe enjoys watching sport and attempting to play golf.
Matt Baker
Chief Growth Officer, UK
Matt Baker is responsible for leading the creation of decentralised, low carbon and affordable energy solutions and services in partnership with public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK.
Matt brings over 25 years of experience working in the public, private and voluntary sectors. Starting his career delivering transformation programmes for clients at Andersen Consulting, he has since held director and managing director level roles at Goldman Sachs, the Department of Work and Pensions, United Utilities and Deloitte. As a Partner at Newton Europe, he was a leader in the local public sector practice, working with more than 20 local authorities and NHS providers. More recently, as Service Director at Northumberland County Council, Matt developed the county’s District Heating and Power strategy including the network of investors and private sector partners needed to deliver the county’s £220m district heat network programme.
Having lived in rural Northumberland for the last 15 years, Matt is committed to energy solutions that are effective in rural communities. When he is not at work, he likes nothing more than spending time with his children. He also enjoys running in ultra-marathons.
Matt Baker is responsible for leading the creation of decentralised, low carbon and affordable energy solutions and services in partnership with public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK.
Matt brings over 25 years of experience working in the public, private and voluntary sectors. Starting his career delivering transformation programmes for clients at Andersen Consulting, he has since held director and managing director level roles at Goldman Sachs, the Department of Work and Pensions, United Utilities and Deloitte. As a Partner at Newton Europe, he was a leader in the local public sector practice, working with more than 20 local authorities and NHS providers. More recently, as Service Director at Northumberland County Council, Matt developed the county’s District Heating and Power strategy including the network of investors and private sector partners needed to deliver the county’s £220m district heat network programme.
Having lived in rural Northumberland for the last 15 years, Matt is committed to energy solutions that are effective in rural communities. When he is not at work, he likes nothing more than spending time with his children. He also enjoys running in ultra-marathons.
Charlotte Phillips
Chief Revenue Officer, UK
Charlotte Phillips is responsible for leading the construction and operation of our assets, driving operational improvement, and identifying and connecting new customers.
A Chartered Surveyor and Chartered Environmentalist, Charlotte has been focused on low carbon infrastructure and green solutions since 2002, when she acted on behalf of landowners to secure income from on-site renewable energy generation. Her roles have included leading the Energy and Sustainability practice for CBRE across Europe, Middle East and Africa, heading up the Infrastructure Investment team at a waste fund, setting up her own advisory business, and latterly working at an ethical investment platform as an Investments Director originating, assessing and structuring project opportunities.
In her spare time, Charlotte enjoys cooking, playing tennis and golf. She previously played National League hockey and raced to the Magnetic North Pole in 2007.
Charlotte Phillips is responsible for leading the construction and operation of our assets, driving operational improvement, and identifying and connecting new customers.
A Chartered Surveyor and Chartered Environmentalist, Charlotte has been focused on low carbon infrastructure and green solutions since 2002, when she acted on behalf of landowners to secure income from on-site renewable energy generation. Her roles have included leading the Energy and Sustainability practice for CBRE across Europe, Middle East and Africa, heading up the Infrastructure Investment team at a waste fund, setting up her own advisory business, and latterly working at an ethical investment platform as an Investments Director originating, assessing and structuring project opportunities.
In her spare time, Charlotte enjoys cooking, playing tennis and golf. She previously played National League hockey and raced to the Magnetic North Pole in 2007.
Abigail Chatfield
Head of People, UK
Abi Chatfield oversees the entire employee journey at Gren UK and is dedicated to developing an even more vibrant and supportive work environment.
Abi believes that fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture is paramount. Her goal is to empower our incredible team, cultivate growth opportunities and champion a space where everyone feels valued and inspired, enabling them to do their best work for the business, thrive and drive value.
Abi brings more than 10 years’ experience in operations, project management and business administration in the renewable energy industry. She started her career at Ofgem before moving into the private sector and has worked in multiple start-up environments, enabling teams and businesses to grow.
In her spare time, Abi can be found in the gym, out walking, or enjoying time at home with her husband and cats. She enjoys travelling and loves visiting new places.
Abi Chatfield oversees the entire employee journey at Gren UK and is dedicated to developing an even more vibrant and supportive work environment.
Abi believes that fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture is paramount. Her goal is to empower our incredible team, cultivate growth opportunities and champion a space where everyone feels valued and inspired, enabling them to do their best work for the business, thrive and drive value.
Abi brings more than 10 years’ experience in operations, project management and business administration in the renewable energy industry. She started her career at Ofgem before moving into the private sector and has worked in multiple start-up environments, enabling teams and businesses to grow.
In her spare time, Abi can be found in the gym, out walking, or enjoying time at home with her husband and cats. She enjoys travelling and loves visiting new places.
Dave Carlton
Head of Capital Projects, UK
Dave Carlton oversees the delivery of low carbon infrastructure in communities around the UK. He joined Gren Energy Ltd in August 2023 and brings significant experience of developing and delivering energy and infrastructure-related projects both in the UK and internationally.
Dave began his career at the Central Electricity Generating Board, working at many coal-fired power stations, before becoming a corporate project engineer with National Power Generation Systems. He was subsequently a project consultant to Scottish Power at Longannet Power Station.
With RWE, Dave managed Littlebrook Biomass project, the development of newbuild coal-fired power stations at Blyth and Tilbury, and a carbon capture pilot project at Aberthaw. In Kosovo, he managed repair works after a major fire, and in Sicily he closed out a 15MW biomass plant project that had significant combustion issues. He was enabling works project manager at Wylfa Newyyd for Horizon Nuclear Power.
Dave is a Chartered Engineer, a Member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology, a Member of the Association for Project Management, and an Associate Member of the Association for Project Safety. In his spare time, he enjoys walking his dogs and collects vintage technical books on electrical engineering.
Dave Carlton oversees the delivery of low carbon infrastructure in communities around the UK. He joined Gren Energy Ltd in August 2023 and brings significant experience of developing and delivering energy and infrastructure-related projects both in the UK and internationally.
Dave began his career at the Central Electricity Generating Board, working at many coal-fired power stations, before becoming a corporate project engineer with National Power Generation Systems. He was subsequently a project consultant to Scottish Power at Longannet Power Station.
With RWE, Dave managed Littlebrook Biomass project, the development of newbuild coal-fired power stations at Blyth and Tilbury, and a carbon capture pilot project at Aberthaw. In Kosovo, he managed repair works after a major fire, and in Sicily he closed out a 15MW biomass plant project that had significant combustion issues. He was enabling works project manager at Wylfa Newyyd for Horizon Nuclear Power.
Dave is a Chartered Engineer, a Member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology, a Member of the Association for Project Management, and an Associate Member of the Association for Project Safety. In his spare time, he enjoys walking his dogs and collects vintage technical books on electrical engineering.
Natasha Blunt
Senior Advisor, Brand Strategy and Communications
Sarah Richardson
Senior Advisor, Strategic Communications and External Affairs, UK
Sarah Richardson oversees external affairs and public engagement for Gren, including liaising with political and government stakeholders, media and partners. She has more than 20 years’ experience delivering creative and innovative campaigns in both the private and public sector, helping global businesses, start-ups, foundations and leaders deliver strategies which are good for them, good for their customers and good for society.
Sarah has held senior leadership roles in three of the world’s largest strategic communications companies, as well as working in-house for a FTSE100 energy company and a global retail brand. Her energy credentials include her award-winning campaign for the people living near Hinkley Point ‘C’ and providing senior counsel to EON, Shell and Centrica. She has also advised investment funds, NGOs, education institutions and political campaigns on corporate reputation and public policy challenges.
Sarah brings experience as a journalist, a non-executive director and an elected politician. She is a Trustee of the Sir Simon Milton Foundation, a long-time school governor and served as Lord Mayor of Westminster and Deputy High Steward of Westminster Abbey in 2013-14.
Sarah Richardson oversees external affairs and public engagement for Gren, including liaising with political and government stakeholders, media and partners. She has more than 20 years’ experience delivering creative and innovative campaigns in both the private and public sector, helping global businesses, start-ups, foundations and leaders deliver strategies which are good for them, good for their customers and good for society.
Sarah has held senior leadership roles in three of the world’s largest strategic communications companies, as well as working in-house for a FTSE100 energy company and a global retail brand. Her energy credentials include her award-winning campaign for the people living near Hinkley Point ‘C’ and providing senior counsel to EON, Shell and Centrica. She has also advised investment funds, NGOs, education institutions and political campaigns on corporate reputation and public policy challenges.
Sarah brings experience as a journalist, a non-executive director and an elected politician. She is a Trustee of the Sir Simon Milton Foundation, a long-time school governor and served as Lord Mayor of Westminster and Deputy High Steward of Westminster Abbey in 2013-14.