LEADERSHIP

Graham Reid

Graham Reid - CEO

Graham joined SAE in January 2021 and has significant UK and International experience in general construction, engineering and renewable energy development, financing and construction. Graham is responsible for the day to day running of the business and its strategic development and growth, with a key focus on the safe and successful delivery of SAE’s first in class energy projects.

Previously Graham has held a number of senior leadership roles, including Chief Executive of RES Americas, and Arcadis Middle East, where he focused on delivering operational improvements and reinforcing the safety culture. Earlier in his career he was the UK Managing Director and an executive board member of Hyder Consulting plc and a member of Network Rail’s project delivery board for the London bridge station project.

In his recent career Graham has been at the forefront of the successful delivery of over 5GW of large-scale renewable energy projects.

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Simon Hirst  - CFO

Simon Hirst joined SAE in January 2015, primarily responsible for the MeyGen project where he has held the position of director for the previous 12 months. Simon has worked across all areas of SIMEC Atlantis during his seven years in the company and has extensive experience working with external stakeholders.

Before joining SAE Simon gained wide international blue-chip experience at several organisations including Mobil Exxon, Pepsi Cola, Iron Mountain and InterGen.

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David Taaffe - COO

David joined SAE in 2011. He has since played a lead role in SAE's flagship MeyGen project from early concept design and development through to financial close, and construction works into operations and maintenance. David and his team also lead the development of Fuel Conversion Projects including the Uskmouth Conversion Project.

He is a Chartered Electrical Engineer and has over 20 years international experience in the energy industry with unique experience in leading the entire lifecycle of large-scale energy infrastructure projects from project origination through to operation..

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Sean Parsons - DIRECTOR OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

Sean Parsons is the Director of External Relations for SAE. Sean is responsible for all external engagement, spanning media, stakeholders and investors. Before joining SAE, Sean has worked with some of the largest energy companies in the world, including EDF, Siemens Gamesa, RWE and Statkraft. Most recently, Sean was Head of External Affairs for the GFG Alliance where he was a key member of the team that helped the Group establish itself as one of the largest industrial and sustainably focused companies in Europe.

Sean has been a key member of award-winning teams throughout his career, specifically his work in marketing campaigns, innovation projects and PR have received both internal and external recognition. He also completed his MBA in 2014.