Panel: Talent Development: Transitioning Human Capital from Oil & Gas to Renewables

Monday, April 07, 2025

Time
05:00 pm - 06:00 pm
Hall
Dubai World Trade Centre
Room
Conference Area

Do we have enough workforce to meet the solar / renewable ambition? Is the workforce trained enough to meet quality requirements? What kind of support does the sector expect from national and international institutions? How can we manage a proper transitioning of human capital from oil & gas to renewables?

05:00 pm - 06:00 pmPanel: Talent Development: Transitioning Human Capital from Oil & Gas to Renewables

Maria Flouda

Founder and Managing Consultant

Sustainability Switch Consultancy

Neeraj Mense

Principal Consultant

Frost & Sullivan

Lewis Cheeseman

Operations Director

NES Fircroft

Simay Akar-Köhler

IEEE, Senior Member, CEO & Founder

AK Energy Consulting

Speakers
Speaker
Neeraj Mense, Frost & Sullivan

Principal Consultant

UAE

Over 11 years of professional experience in research and consulting, business strategy, technology assessment and benchmarking. Expertise in executing projects across GCC, South Africa, East & West Africa, European Union and India. Particular expertise in: -Localization & investment promotion -Go to market strategy, geographic expansion and partner prospecting -Market sizing, forecasting and opportunity assessment -Business intelligence and planning -Regulatory policy, electricity tariffs, utility business models and due diligence Experience base covering broad range of sectors, including: -Energy efficiency and management across industrial, residential & commercial consumers -Energy & Power Systems - conventional and renewable generation -Distributed Generation and Energy Storage -Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration -Subject Matter Expertise in power utilities, energy systems and energy value chain -In-depth understanding of energy & power system technologies from a supply and end user perspective -Ability to develop and define framework and methodologies for market and business opportunity assessment - especially for products, technologies and services linked to energy production and consumption -Comprehensive communication skills with logical and solution driven approach -Assisted a leading Saudi ministry is developing an investment strategy for localization of machinery & equipment products & value chain components -Delivered on a key technology and market opportunity assessment project for a leading Saudi government organisation in the distributed energy segment -Successfully assisted government entities, global OEMs and family business groups in the GCC on market expansion and technology localization opportunities -Conferred with Frost & Sullivan's 'President's Club' award for outstanding performance in 2021

Speaker
Lewis Cheeseman, NES Fircroft

Operations Director

UAE

Lewis is the Operations Director at NES Fircroft, the largest Engineering & Technical Manpower Solutions business in the world.

Speaker
Maria Flouda, Sustainability Switch Consultancy

Founder and Managing Consultant

UAE

Maria is an unwavering advocate for sustainability, harnessing her 22 years expertise in ESG frameworks to spearhead transformative change within industries like construction, real estate ,energy and the investment and services sectors. With an unwavering commitment to guiding cross-sector corporate clients and SMEs towards achieving net zero and ensuring social sustainability compliance, Maria is a driving force in the journey towards a greener future. As the visionary founder of "Sustainability Switch Consultancy," she has solidified her position as a leading woman solopreneur, empowering organizations to align their sustainability agenda with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Beyond her consultancy work, Maria actively contributes to the non-profit organization "Lean In Equity and Sustainability" as Board Co-Chair and Sustainability Chair, empowering women in the energy transition and advocating for a more inclusive industry. Maria's impressive academic background complements her extensive professional experience, as she holds both a UK Master's and Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering and has acquired sustainability expertise from Cambridge University (CISL). Her 22-year international journey in corporate strategy and project operations includes the successful implementation of numerous large-scale projects and government initiatives, solidifying her reputation as a seasoned leader in her field. Recognized as an authority in the realm of sustainability, Maria is highly sought after as a keynote speaker at renowned conferences focusing on sustainability, ESG, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her captivating presence and deep knowledge inspire audiences while providing practical insights into tackling climate change challenges. Maria also conducts executive-level workshops, delving into various climate change subjects, empowering participants to take action and drive meaningful impact. Leveraging her wealth of expertise, she has published numerous articles that serve as beacons of knowledge, inspiring and educating others on the path to a sustainable future. As a thought leader, innovator, and influencer, Maria's contributions to cross sector industry decarbonization are paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future. Her unwavering dedication, combined with her remarkable ability to connect with diverse audiences, makes her an indispensable voice in shaping the energy transition discourse.

Speaker
Simay Akar-Köhler, AK Energy Consulting

IEEE, Senior Member, CEO & Founder

Turkey

Simay Akar is an entrepreneur with reputable corporate industrial background and experience in the energy industry. She specialized in photovoltaic manufacturing, battery storage for electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies and the clean energy market development. ​Akar is currently the Chief Commercial Officer & Co-Founder at Innoses. Her past roles include Sales & Marketing Director of EkoRE - Eko Renewable Energy and Marketing & Business Development Director of GoodWe Turkey, Head of Overseas Marketing at Talesun Solar Akar has worked in China and Turkey and mostly focused on international commercial activities and has been employed by CSUN Eurasia, Schneider Electric, Arcelik (BEKO), and Lucida Solar. In addition to her professional acclimates, she is an IEEE Senior member, acknowledged volunteer since 2007. Simay is a graduate of Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey and she participated Energy Innovation and Emerging Technologies Program at Stanford University. ​ Simay is Certified Soft Skills Trainer since 2008. Additionally, She is METU Alumni Association Energy Commission Member, Turkish Women in Renewables North America Liaison & Sailing Team Member, KYSKD(Female Sailors Sports Club Association) member. She is Licensed Sailor Athlete at the Turkish Sailing Federation and also Swimmer. She participates open seas swimming races, marathons, and sailing cups across the world. ​ IEEE has important role in her life. She is also IEEE VOLT Graduate, IEEE Educational Activities TISP Champion, She has been serving several volunteer membership and leadership positions in different areas including mainly global committees of IEEE Humanitarian Technology Activities ( IEEE SIGHT -Special Interest Group on Humanitarian Technology and HAC), IEEE Power& Energy Society (Women in Power, Young Professionals, Solar and Wind Committee), IEEE Women in Engineering, IEEE Young Professionals, IEEE Social Implications of Technology Society (SSIT), IEEE Student Activities, IEEE Entrepreneurship Committee and other positions on Regional Boards of IEEE Region 8 (Europe Middle East and Africa) &10 (Asia Pacific). ​

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