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

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

Dan Brook is the Director for Low Carbon & Renewables at WeConnect Energy, a Workforce Consultancy focussed on ensuring the energy industry has acess to the skills it needs when they are needed. Dan has been a part of the energy transition in Dubai for the past 8 years, with a further 6 years spent in the UK and Australia. WeConnect Energy are committed to championing a sustainable future, supporting organisations to identify the right talent to pioneer energy transition breakthroughs

Dr. Nabih Cherradi is Desert Technologies' Chief Technology Officer. Has spent over 34 years building on a long track record of equipment's/production lines as well as business development in the semiconductor and photovoltaic industries. Prior to joining Desert Technologies, Nabih is also the CEO of EmpowerSun, a Swiss based photovoltaic energy consultancy, which he founded in 2009. In the meantime, he also co-founded ISWT a French solar developer company. From 2007-2009, as a Vice President/CTO, he accompanied Yingli Green Energy in its fast expansion with responsibility for the technology and manufacturing. He also participated in its IPO in New York (NYSE). As operations & process director at Applied Materials from 1997 to 2007 Nabih was responsible for installing turn-key semiconductor and photovoltaic production lines throughout the world, installing multiple GWs of production capacity across a ten year period. As a scientist, he focused on advance materials for different applications working with different industries (Semiconductor, Photovoltaic and Hard tools) He holds a PhD on materials sciences from the University Henri Poincaré, Nancy as well as an MBA, from the Business School of Nancy, (France).

Marta Mieres-Bárcena has a background of +15 years of experience working for multinationals in the energy sector, leading transactions in the field of large scale renewable assets and power unit converters. Marta earned a Master´s degree and Master of Science in Industrial Engineering. She also holds a Master´s degree in International Commerce, and Master´s degree in Strategic Marketing Management by Esade Business&Law School. Marta is collegiate member in Official College of Industrial Engineers (Oviedo,Spain), and member of International Solar Energy Society(Freiburg,Germany). She also cooperates with universities, being co-director in Masters on Renewables projects execution. Marta is also mentor in the Royal Academy of Engineering(Madrid,Spain) and certified international mentor of Global Women´s Network for the Energy Transition (Vienna,Austria).She actively participates at international forums, addressing topics with a primary focus on renewables and energy efficiency.

Chelsea Wintle is a Senior Associate with Ascendia Group, based in Dubai, where she plays a pivotal role in project recruitment and executive search within the Infrastructure, Energy, and Utilities sectors. With her focus on the Middle East & Africa and Asian markets, Chelsea brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role. Drawing from her extensive background in the industry, she specializes in delivering top-tier talent solutions for clients across Development, Investment Management, Consulting, and Private Equity segments. Inspired by the principles of the Energy Transition and Circular Economies, Chelsea is deeply committed to driving sustainable solutions and impactful outcomes in collaboration with her clients. Her diverse network spans Utility Scale & Distributed Solar, Energy Storage, Microgrids, Energy Efficiency, Hydrogen, Water Treatment, Desalination, and Waste Treatment sectors.