The future is clean

Securing Leadership That Drives Business Impact The success of any organisation is shaped by its leadership. Whilst hiring the right talent is important at every level, executive appointments have a uniquely significant impact on business performance, culture, growth and long-term strategy. Whether you are hiring a CEO to lead transformation, a CFO to support expansion, or a senior leader to drive innovation, executive hiring requires a different approach from traditional recruitment. The stakes are higher, the talent pool is smaller, and the impact of getting it wrong can be substantial. Our Executive Search solution is designed to help organisations identify, engage and secure exceptional leaders who align with both immediate business needs and long-term strategic objectives. Why Executive Search Matters Executive hiring is fundamentally different from hiring at other levels within an organisation. Senior leaders are responsible for shaping company strategy, influencing culture, managing stakeholder relationships and driving business performance. Their decisions can affect every area of a business, making leadership appointments some of the most critical hiring decisions an organisation will make. At the same time, the most sought-after executives are rarely active job seekers. They are typically successful in their current roles, highly visible within their industries and selective about the opportunities they choose to explore. This means organisations cannot rely solely on job advertisements, inbound applications or traditional recruitment methods. Successfully securing executive talent requires a proactive, targeted and highly consultative approach. The Challenges of Executive Hiring Organisations often face a range of challenges when recruiting senior leadership talent: Limited access to passive executive candidates Increased competition for proven leaders Difficulty assessing long-term leadership fit Complex stakeholder requirements and decision-making processes The need for confidentiality during sensitive searches Pressure to secure leadership talent quickly without compromising quality Without a structured search strategy, businesses can struggle to access the right talent, resulting in lengthy hiring processes, missed opportunities or appointments that fail to deliver long-term impact. Our Executive Search Approach We believe successful executive hiring begins with understanding the unique challenges, ambitions and culture of each organisation. Every search starts with a detailed discovery process designed to create complete alignment around the role and the type of leadership required for success. This includes: Stakeholder interviews and leadership consultations Assessment of business objectives and growth plans Definition of role scope, responsibilities and success measures Evaluation of organisational culture and leadership style requirements Market benchmarking and talent landscape analysis This foundation allows us to build a search strategy tailored specifically to your organisation and hiring objectives. Accessing Leadership Talent Beyond Traditional Channels The strongest executive candidates are often invisible to conventional hiring methods. Our extensive leadership network enables us to engage individuals who may not be actively considering a move but are open to the right opportunity when approached thoughtfully and professionally. Through years of relationship-building across multiple industries and markets, we provide access to: C-suite executives and board-level leaders Functional leaders across finance, technology, operations, sales and human resources High-performing leaders within growth-stage and enterprise organisations Diverse leadership talent from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences This approach significantly expands the available talent pool and improves the likelihood of securing transformational leaders. A Dedicated Search Team Executive appointments deserve dedicated focus and specialist expertise. Each search engagement is supported by a team that may include: Executive Search consultants with sector-specific expertise Dedicated researchers responsible for talent mapping and market intelligence Project coordinators ensuring seamless communication and process management A single point of contact providing accountability throughout the search This collaborative approach ensures comprehensive market coverage whilst maintaining a high-quality candidate and client experience. Delivering an Exceptional Candidate Experience Executive candidates assess opportunities differently from other professionals. Compensation is only one factor. Senior leaders also evaluate organisational vision, leadership alignment, growth opportunities, governance structures and cultural fit. We therefore invest significant time in understanding your business story and communicating it effectively throughout the search process. Our approach includes: Detailed briefing and opportunity positioning Personalised candidate engagement Transparent communication throughout the process Ongoing consultation and support Effective management of stakeholder expectations By creating a positive and professional experience, we help strengthen engagement and improve offer acceptance rates. Market Intelligence and Search Transparency Executive hiring decisions require data, insight and visibility. Throughout every engagement, we provide regular reporting and market intelligence, including: Search activity and outreach reporting Candidate pipeline updates Diversity representation within talent pools Candidate motivations and feedback Compensation benchmarking and market trends Talent availability and competitor insights This transparency allows stakeholders to make informed decisions and maintain confidence throughout the search process. Building Diverse and Sustainable Leadership Teams Strong leadership teams are built on diversity of thought, experience and perspective. Our Executive Search methodology incorporates a proactive focus on identifying and engaging diverse leadership talent whilst ensuring alignment with the strategic requirements of the role. We assess candidates not only on capability and experience, but also on leadership style, cultural alignment and long-term motivation. The result is a hiring process focused on sustainable success rather than short-term placement outcomes. Beyond Search: Strategic Leadership Advisory Executive Search should deliver more than a shortlist of candidates. As a strategic talent partner, we support organisations with broader leadership and workforce initiatives, including: Executive talent mapping Succession planning support Leadership pipeline development Organisational structure consultation Market benchmarking and competitor analysis Leadership hiring strategy This broader perspective helps organisations strengthen their leadership capabilities for the future, not just fill today's vacancy. Why Partner With Us? Executive hiring requires expertise, discretion, market insight and the ability to engage leaders who are not actively seeking new opportunities. By partnering with us, you benefit from: Access to exceptional leadership talent A structured and transparent search process Dedicated Executive Search specialists Comprehensive market intelligence Strong candidate engagement and representation Diversity-focused search strategies Flexible engagement models tailored to your needs A long-term partner invested in your success Our goal is simple: to help organisations secure leaders who create lasting impact. Ready to Find Your Next Leader? Whether you are appointing a C-suite executive, building a leadership team or planning for future growth, our Executive Search specialists are ready to help. Together, we will identify and secure the leaders who will shape the future of your organisation.

Dedicated Search for Your Most Critical Hires Some hires have a greater impact than others. When you're hiring senior leaders, specialist experts, confidential replacements, or multiple business-critical roles, the quality of the hiring process can directly influence business performance, growth, and long-term success. Our Retained Search solution provides a dedicated, exclusive recruitment partnership designed to identify, engage, and secure the very best talent in the market. Through a structured and highly proactive search process, we deliver access to exceptional candidates, comprehensive market intelligence, and the confidence that every opportunity has been explored. Unlike traditional contingent recruitment, Retained Search offers complete alignment, dedicated resources, and a shared commitment to achieving a successful outcome. Why Choose Retained Search? Retained Search is designed for organisations where hiring success cannot be left to chance. Many businesses choose a retained approach when: Hiring for senior, specialist, or business-critical positions Building leadership teams or supporting organisational growth Recruiting multiple hires within a defined timeframe Accessing highly competitive or passive talent markets Requiring a confidential or targeted search process Seeking full visibility of the talent landscape before making a hiring decision When the right hire can significantly influence business performance, Retained Search provides the focus, rigour, and market reach required to secure exceptional talent. Our Retained Search Approach We believe successful hiring starts with a deep understanding of your organisation, culture, objectives, and hiring requirements. Every retained search begins with a detailed discovery process that enables us to develop a tailored search strategy aligned to your specific needs. Our approach includes: Comprehensive market mapping and talent identification Detailed analysis of the competitive talent landscape Targeted engagement of both active and passive candidates Tailored messaging to effectively position your opportunity Structured assessment and qualification processes Shortlists built around your specific requirements and objectives Our goal is simple: to ensure you meet the best talent available in the market, not just the most visible. A Dedicated Search Team Every retained project is supported by a dedicated delivery team focused on achieving a successful outcome. Your search team may include: A dedicated Project Manager serving as your primary point of contact Specialist consultants with expertise in your market and hiring requirements Research professionals responsible for talent mapping and market intelligence Recruitment delivery specialists supporting candidate engagement and process management This collaborative approach ensures accountability, consistent communication, and efficient delivery throughout the search. Market Intelligence and Search Transparency Retained Search provides far more than candidate introductions. Throughout every engagement, we provide detailed reporting and market insight to support informed decision-making. This includes: Comprehensive market mapping and talent landscape analysis Salary benchmarking and compensation insights Hiring trends and competitor intelligence Weekly progress reports and search activity updates Candidate feedback, motivations, and market perceptions Diversity insights across talent pools and target markets This level of transparency provides stakeholders with confidence and visibility at every stage of the search process. Accessing Talent Beyond Traditional Recruitment Channels The strongest candidates are often not actively searching for new opportunities. Our proactive search methodology enables us to engage individuals who may never apply to an advertised role but are open to the right opportunity when approached strategically. Through extensive networks, market expertise, and targeted outreach, we help organisations access talent that would otherwise remain unavailable through traditional recruitment methods. This significantly expands the talent pool and increases the likelihood of securing high-performing professionals. A Structured and Thorough Selection Process We invest time in understanding exactly what success looks like for your organisation. Every candidate is assessed against technical requirements, experience, cultural fit, leadership capability, and long-term potential. Our process includes: In-depth candidate interviews and assessment Skills and experience evaluation Motivation and career aspiration analysis Cultural and organisational fit assessment Comprehensive shortlisting and presentation This ensures that only the most relevant and qualified candidates are presented for consideration. Why Partner With Us? Choosing the right search partner can have a significant impact on the success of your hiring strategy. By partnering with us, you benefit from: Exclusive access to exceptional talentA dedicated team focused solely on your hiring objectivesFull market coverage and proactive talent engagementGreater transparency throughout the hiring processEnhanced candidate engagement and conversion ratesComprehensive market intelligence and reportingA structured and highly professional search experienceFixed and transparent commercial agreements Our focus is on delivering quality, certainty, and long-term hiring success. A Fully Managed Search Process From initial briefing through to offer acceptance and onboarding, we manage every stage of the hiring journey. Our team provides: Clearly defined search processes and timelines Ongoing communication and stakeholder management Interview coordination and candidate engagement Offer management and negotiation support Flexibility to adapt as hiring requirements evolve By managing the process end-to-end, we allow your team to focus on making the right hiring decision while we manage the search. Ready to Secure Exceptional Talent? Whether you're hiring a senior leader, building a specialist team, or filling a business-critical position, our Retained Search specialists are ready to help.

Flexible talent solutions for a changing business landscape When business priorities shift, projects accelerate, or critical skills gaps emerge, securing the right talent quickly can be the difference between success and stagnation. Our Contract & Interim Recruitment solutions provide immediate access to highly skilled professionals, interim leaders, and project teams who can deliver value from day one. Whether you require specialist expertise for a short-term project, leadership during a period of transformation, or additional resources to support business growth, we help you access the talent you need, exactly when you need it. Why choose a Contract & Interim Recruitment solution? Today's organisations face constant change. Market demands evolve, projects require specialist expertise, and hiring plans can shift quickly. Contract and interim professionals provide the agility businesses need to respond with confidence. Many organisations use contract and interim talent to: Deliver critical projects on time and within budget Access niche skills and expertise not available internally Support periods of growth, transformation, or restructuring Provide cover for key leadership or specialist positions Increase team capacity during periods of high demand Reduce hiring risk by evaluating talent before making a permanent hire By leveraging flexible talent solutions, businesses can remain agile while maintaining productivity and performance. Our Contract & Interim Recruitment approach We understand that speed is important, but finding the right person is essential. Our specialist recruitment teams combine deep market knowledge with extensive talent networks to identify professionals who possess both the technical expertise and cultural fit required to succeed within your organisation. Our service includes: Rapid access to pre-qualified contract and interim professionals Specialist talent across highly skilled and niche markets Interim managers and executive-level leadership solutions Full project team build-outs and scalable workforce solutions Market intelligence, benchmarking, and hiring advice Flexible engagement models tailored to your business needs Every search is delivered with a focus on quality, speed, and long-term success. Flexible Commercial Solutions No two organisations face the same hiring challenges, which is why we offer flexible engagement models designed around your specific requirements. Whether you require a single contractor, an interim leader, or an entire project team, we work with you to create a solution that aligns with your objectives, timelines, and budget. Our commercial models offer: Transparent and competitive market-aligned pricing All-inclusive hourly or daily rate options Flexible engagement structures Scalable workforce solutions for project-based hiring Our goal is simple: to provide access to exceptional talent while delivering maximum value for your investment. Fully managed Payroll Services For organisations unable to engage contractors directly, we offer a fully managed payroll solution that removes administrative complexity and ensures a seamless onboarding experience. Through our payroll service, we can: Employ contractors on your behalf Manage onboarding, payroll, and compliance requirements Support temporary and interim hiring needs Provide a straightforward pathway to permanent employment where required This solution allows businesses to access specialist talent quickly while maintaining compliance and minimising internal administration. Ongoing support throughout every engagement Our partnership doesn't end once a contractor starts. We provide ongoing support throughout the entire engagement to ensure both clients and contractors are positioned for success. Our support includes: Contract administration and compliance management Contractor onboarding and payroll support Regular performance and engagement reviews Dedicated consultant support throughout the assignment Rapid issue resolution and workforce management assistance Flexible contract extensions, conversions, and project scaling By actively managing every stage of the engagement, we help ensure a positive experience and successful outcomes for all parties involved. Why partner with us? Choosing the right recruitment partner can have a significant impact on the success of your hiring strategy. By partnering with us, you gain: Access to highly skilled contract and interim professionals Faster hiring times through established talent networks Specialist market expertise and recruitment insight Flexible workforce solutions that adapt to changing business needs Dedicated support from experienced recruitment consultants A trusted partner committed to delivering results Whether you're looking to secure a specialist contractor, appoint an interim leader, or build an entire project team, we provide the expertise, network, and support needed to help your business succeed. Ready to secure the talent you need? From urgent contract requirements to large-scale project delivery, our Contract & Interim Recruitment specialists are ready to help.

Scalable Hiring Support Built Around Your Business Hiring demand rarely remains constant. Whether you're experiencing rapid growth, entering new markets, launching strategic initiatives, or navigating periods of change, maintaining the right Talent Acquisition capability can be a challenge. Our Embedded Talent Solutions provide a flexible, scalable extension of your business, giving you access to dedicated recruitment expertise exactly when and where you need it. Acting as a seamless extension of your team, we help you attract, engage, and hire the talent required to achieve your business objectives. Rather than continually scaling internal recruitment resources up and down, our solution provides the agility and consistency needed to support sustainable growth. Why Choose an Embedded Talent Solution? Many organisations face ongoing hiring challenges that place pressure on internal Talent Acquisition teams. Common challenges include: Fluctuating hiring demand that exceeds internal capacity Difficulty scaling recruitment resources quickly and efficiently Inconsistent candidate and hiring manager experiences Limited time to focus on strategic talent initiatives Rising recruitment costs and operational complexity Pressure to improve hiring outcomes while controlling overheads Traditional hiring models often struggle to adapt to changing business needs. Embedded Talent Solutions provide a flexible alternative, enabling organisations to scale recruitment support in line with demand. Our Embedded Talent Approach We integrate experienced Talent Acquisition professionals directly into your organisation, operating as a natural extension of your team. Depending on your requirements, our embedded specialists can: Support and enhance your existing Talent Acquisition function Manage hiring for a specific business unit, region, or project Deliver recruitment during periods of growth or transformation Take ownership of your entire Talent Acquisition operation You maintain full visibility and control while benefiting from a scalable recruitment solution that evolves alongside your business. How We Deliver Our Embedded Talent Solutions are designed to integrate seamlessly within your organisation, culture, and hiring processes. Our service includes: Dedicated recruiters aligned to your industry, market, and hiring requirements Full integration with your teams, systems, and processes Flexible engagement models that can scale up, down, or pause as required Consistent employer brand representation throughout the hiring process Optional Employer of Record (EOR) support to simplify onboarding and compliance Our teams become an extension of your business, delivering results while strengthening your internal capability. What Success Looks Like Our focus extends beyond filling vacancies. We help organisations build sustainable hiring capability that supports long-term growth. Success can include: Achievement of hiring goals and workforce planning objectives Reduced time-to-hire and improved recruitment efficiency Enhanced candidate and hiring manager experiences Stronger employer brand representation in the market Increased recruitment scalability and flexibility A more strategic and effective Talent Acquisition function Every engagement is designed around measurable outcomes that support your business objectives. Strategic Talent Advisory and Optimisation Beyond hiring delivery, we help organisations strengthen and optimise their Talent Acquisition capability. Our expertise includes: Talent Acquisition strategy development Recruitment process design and optimisation Applicant Tracking System (ATS) implementation and enhancement Employer Value Proposition (EVP) development and messaging Talent analytics, reporting, and workforce insights Hiring manager training and stakeholder alignment By combining delivery with strategic advisory support, we help create a stronger, more efficient recruitment function. Why Partner With Us? Choosing the right talent partner can have a significant impact on your organisation's ability to attract and retain top talent. By partnering with us, you gain: Flexible, on-demand Talent Acquisition expertise A scalable solution aligned to hiring demand Reduced pressure on internal recruitment teams Faster, more efficient hiring processes Consistent employer branding and candidate engagement Access to specialist recruitment knowledge and market insight A dedicated partner committed to your long-term success Whether you need additional recruitment capacity, support for a major growth initiative, or a fully embedded Talent Acquisition team, we provide the expertise, flexibility, and support needed to help your business succeed. Ready to Scale Your Hiring Function? Whether you're looking to strengthen your existing Talent Acquisition team or implement a fully embedded recruitment solution, our specialists are ready to help.

The Clean Energy Six, Finance Edition highlights the people working behind the financial and strategic decisions shaping the energy transition. In this series, Skye Shaffer, Associate Recruitment Consultant at Piper Maddox, speaks with professionals across the renewable energy finance ecosystem to explore their career journeys, the projects that have defined them, and the opportunities they see for the future of clean energy. In this edition, we spoke with Tamara Bordeaux, a clean energy finance professional with over nine years of experience spanning financial services and renewable energy. After beginning her career at UBS, Tamara transitioned into the energy sector to pursue work more closely aligned with her passion for combating climate change. She has since built a diverse background across community solar, utility-scale development, and M&A at AES, where she worked on complex transactions and large-scale projects across the U.S. More recently, she expanded her experience into emerging technologies at Blue Energy, where she was part of the commercial team at a nuclear-focused startup, working across origination, development, and financial modeling. Now at Greenvolt Power, Tamara continues to focus on project finance and M&A, bringing a well-rounded perspective across both established and next-generation energy solutions. 1. When did you start your career in renewable energy or clean tech, and why did you get into the industry? I started my career in renewable energy in January 2021. Before that, I was working in wealth management and financial services, but I wanted to pivot into something more aligned with my interests and passions - specifically, fighting climate change. The energy industry offered a strong intersection between finance and impact, and it felt like a space where I could apply my background while contributing to something meaningful. 2. What was a pivotal moment or project that defined your path in this industry? A pivotal moment for me was working on the Belfield project, which at the time was the largest permitted solar and storage project in the U.S., at around 2 gigawatts. AES acquired it from Avantus, and I had the opportunity to work on the transaction as an associate. It was a very large, complex, and long-running deal, and it really opened my eyes to how intricate the M&A side of the renewable energy industry can be. What stood out most was the collaborative nature of the process - working closely with counterparties to solve problems together. It was also the first time I was able to build meaningful relationships with a counterparty, and it showed me how important those relationships are in getting deals done. That combination of complexity, collaboration, and relationship-building really defined my path and interest in this space. 3. What excites you most about working in renewables or clean tech today? There is a very real and growing need for power - especially zero-carbon power - in both the U.S. and globally. Renewables are one of the fastest and most proven ways to reduce carbon emissions and fight climate change, so it’s an incredibly impactful space to be in. There’s also a significant increase in demand for power driven by technological growth, including AI. What’s unique right now is that we’re still building the physical infrastructure needed to support that demand, while also benefiting from advancements in AI and software ourselves. For example, AI is helping enhance financial modeling and improve efficiency in areas like transaction document review. It feels like we’re in a position where we get the best of both worlds - building critical infrastructure while leveraging cutting-edge tools. 4. What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in renewable energy and what did you learn from it? One of the biggest challenges I faced was transitioning from traditional renewables - primarily solar and storage - into nuclear, specifically the small modular reactor (SMR) space. While there were transferable skills, nuclear presents a very different set of challenges. In solar and storage, processes are well established and costs continue to come down. With nuclear, particularly new nuclear development, it’s more like rebuilding an industry from the ground up in the U.S. There are challenges around developing supply chains, advancing new technologies, and working on much longer timelines - often into the 2030s. It also requires navigating significant policy and regulatory dependencies. This experience pushed me to think more long-term, approach problems more creatively, and become comfortable working in areas with less precedent. It was both challenging and incredibly rewarding. 5. Looking 5–10 years ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunities for growth in renewable energy? One of the biggest opportunities is improving transmission infrastructure and the interconnection process in the U.S. Upgrading the grid will be critical to enabling more projects to come online efficiently. I also see strong potential in co-located solutions - bringing power generation closer to where it’s consumed, such as near data centers. As demand for energy continues to rise, proximity to load will become increasingly important. Overall, I don’t think it’s about one technology winning out - we’ll need a mix of solar, storage, wind, nuclear, and geothermal to meet demand. The real opportunity lies in how we build, connect, and optimize across all of these. 6. If someone wanted to break into renewable energy finance, what’s the one piece of advice you’d give? Be willing to take on any role to get your foot in the door - even if it means taking a step back in title or seniority. That’s what I did, and I have no regrets. Renewable energy is very much a learn-by-doing industry. While coursework and reading are helpful, the most valuable experience comes from working on real projects. I’d also emphasize the importance of networking. It’s a relatively small industry, and people are generally approachable. Building connections can go a long way in opening doors and helping you navigate your career. Tamara’s career reflects the evolving nature of the clean energy landscape - from established renewable technologies to emerging solutions like nuclear. With experience across large-scale transactions, development, and startup environments, she brings a well-rounded perspective on where the industry is today and where it’s headed. As demand for clean, reliable power continues to grow, her insights highlight both the challenges and the significant opportunities ahead.

Infocast’s Solar + Wind Finance & Investment Summit once again brought the renewable energy finance community together in Phoenix, Arizona, with conversations spanning deal activity, investment strategy, and the evolving market landscape. Across the week, our consultants Thomas Cooper, Divisional Manager, and Nolan Cridge, Manager, Renewables, connected with clients and industry professionals to understand what’s really happening in the market right now. Here’s what they heard. 1. What were the main finance or investment topics people were talking about around Infocast week this year? The bulk of our conversations with new and existing clients emphasized there is still a tremendous amount of excitement and activity surrounding the renewable space. We are seeing our clients make a very strong push to secure tax equity partnerships for their existing assets, or offload via M&A projects that are earlier stage. Lots of portfolios are growing tremendously through M&A in the solar and storage space as well. 2. From the conversations you had, what are the biggest challenges currently affecting renewable energy project financing? The largest challenge seems to be from within the united states, many foreign countries are hesitant to invest within the united states due to policy changes and an uncertain investment terrain. This year is universally considered more stable, but still gives foreign entities hesitancy to put money back into US markets. 3. What trends are you seeing in the solar, wind or storage investment landscape right now? Overall it seems to continue to be business as usual, just on an accelerated timeline. That said, we had a significant amount of conversations surrounding the integration of AI to all levels of project development, project finance, and M&A transactions. This would likely lead to a downturn in junior level hiring and allow our clients to continue to get leaner. 4. From the people you spoke with, where are investors and developers seeing the biggest opportunities in the market? We are still hearing Solar and Storage as the big winners for the next few years. There are murmurs that Geothermal and Nuclear could be the next renewable assets to be heavily invested in, but there are still a significant number of hurdles to jump through here. 5. Any interesting perspectives or insights from the meetings you had that stood out? The general sentiment around the conference was very positive about the industry as a whole and where opportunity exists. Many of the hiring managers we spoke with express that hiring this year would likely be later in the summer or Q3, and those would be sparce. This year companies seem to be continuing to stay as lean as possible and any hire that is brought on is well thought out, and an extremely high priority. Across the conversations throughout the week, one thing was clear, the renewable energy market remains highly active, with strong momentum across solar, storage, and M&A. At the same time, the landscape is becoming more considered. Investment decisions are more measured, international capital remains cautious around US policy, and businesses are continuing to prioritise lean, high-impact teams. With growing interest in AI and early conversations around geothermal and nuclear, the market is evolving, not slowing. If you’re looking to understand how these trends could impact your team or hiring strategy, get in touch with the Piper Maddox team to continue the conversation.