The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) has appointed Matthew Finn as commercial director.

Finn will focus on moving forward the organization’s long-term growth leading on the commercial activities of EMEC, bringing its unique sector expertise and knowledge to the position.

For the past 14 years Finn has worked in the ocean energy sector, helping to raise more than £250 million in support for a number of low carbon projects.

He successfully built up a long-term project portfolio for the company in his previous position as EMEC’s commercial manager including flagship projects such as FORESEA, OceanDEMO and the £28 million ReFLEX Orkney project.

Assuming the commercial manager role is Rob Flynn, who has worked at EMEC since 2018 as international development manager.

“I’m absolutely delighted that Matthew has agreed to take on this important role for EMEC. The breadth of experience he has built up over the years within EMEC is unparalleled and this brings a unique insight that will ensure the organisation finds opportunities to help drive towards net zero.

“It is also hugely satisfying to have watched Matthew grow through the business. He returned home to Orkney in 2006 to take the original job at EMEC and has tackled whatever has been thrown at him with gusto and professionalism.”

Neil Kermode, managing director at EMEC.

“EMEC is a truly unique organisation to work for with a genuinely inspiring vision for a low carbon future. As Commercial Director, I am relishing the challenge of working with a range of organisations to take their technologies and solutions to market.

“Whilst EMEC’s main marine demonstration facilities are based in Orkney we are now working on projects around the world to help drive them through to success. I am extremely proud to have a strong team behind me and I look forward to taking on this new role.”

Matthew Finn, commercial director at EMEC.