UNEXPLODED ORDNANCE - Wind Energy Network

ALL IN A DAYS WORK
“Do what
we do well,
and concentrate
on that. THEN do
it right...”
Renewable Energy
It was literally new beginnings - a new
business direction for the company, a
new operating model and even a new
name – Aquind. It was an entrepreneurial
challenge that required tenacity and
thoroughness and foresight. A sharp
learning curve, but he believes that the
UK can become the leader in the offshore
wind construction in the same way it was
a trendsetter in offshore oil & gas and that
people at OGN and Aquind will play their
part.
Wind energy
While operating in the same environment,
offshore wind is significantly different from
oil & gas. The strategy that Aquind has
forged is based on using the knowledge
and experience of the UK offshore oil
& gas industry and applying it in a new
setting with great potential for scalability.
Growth opportunities
He believes that in the next 10-15 years
there will be a massive push for renewable
energy in general and offshore wind in
the UK as the most scalable clean energy
source. It is an inspiring challenge, but
also – achievable. His mantra is to ‘do
what we do well, and concentrate on
that. Then do it right...’
Current project
Currently working on launching the
development of a new factory planned for
2014-2015 at Hadrian’s Yard in Tyneside
(creating 700 jobs in the area) and working
out the sources of financial investments
required to carry out the project.
The role Kirill undertakes demands
extensive travel all around the UK
and Europe, forging new business
relationships with companies and
negotiations to ensure their projects are
efficiently delivered and on target.
Motivation
In a word - Challenge! With a background
in litigation, he is used to dealing with
uncertainty. However, if in court there is
a long set of rules, the judgement day is
set and everyone is invited; in business
there are no marked roads to success and
no scheduled proceedings. Creative and
forward thinking applied to facts are the
best counsels. That is what he likes about
his current role – doing something new
and challenging, but at the same time very
tangible.
Unusual Circumstances
In a previous job, he was due to attend a
court hearing in Tomsk, Russia. With no
direct flights on that day from Moscow, he
flew to Novosibirsk. Setting off at 5am in
what he describes as a ‘banger’ of a car
– through 250km of wilderness in nearly
minus 40 degrees – a life threatening
journey not just a nail biting one – but
he made it! Not for the faint hearted. He
smiles inwardly when the British comment
about the cold and snow – we have no
idea!!!
Hobbies
He likes spending time with his family
and carves out some time for swimming,
running and learning Italian.
Aspirations
He aspires to strive for Aquind to
continually grow – however when asked
what he would like to have achieved in 10
years the retort ‘Russians don’t plan
too far ahead!’
Fliss Chaffer
Wind Energy Network
Click to view more info
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
67