In 2015, Dan was working as a marketing manager for a luxury fashion company. One evening, while watching Frozen Planet, he saw ice caps collapsing into the ocean and realised he needed to do something with a greater purpose. The next day, he quit his job to join the fight against climate change. While researching solutions, he came across Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) and saw its vast potential to provide affordable, clean energy to islands and industries that urgently need it. However, existing developers were focused on large-scale OTEC systems. Dan envisioned a different approach—starting small to accelerate deployment and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Drawing on his experience in building high-performing teams, he assembled a coalition of world-class OTEC and offshore engineering professionals and launched Global OTEC. His vision gained traction when, during COP26, he secured the company’s first institutional investment while presenting alongside tropical island leaders. Dan is deeply involved in all aspects of the business, with a particular focus on strategy, business development, sales, and fundraising.

Neil is an accomplished C-suite executive known for growing businesses, building high-performing teams, and delivering large-scale projects for some of the world’s leading Fortune 500 engineering and construction firms. His extensive experience spans both developed and emerging markets across a wide range of sectors, including infrastructure, industrial projects, defence, high-tech facilities, water and wastewater treatment, environmental solutions, and transportation. A Chartered Engineer (CEng) with a BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering from the University of South Wales, Neil is a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers (FICE), a Chartered Companion of the Chartered Management Institute (CMgr CCMI), and a Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv).

In 2021, Neil joined Global OTEC as a Non-Executive Director, providing independent oversight, strategic guidance, and risk management support. His broad expertise, from sales to project delivery, makes him an invaluable asset to the company.

Karl is an accomplished entrepreneur with over 40 years of experience in the international energy sector, specialising in project development, execution, and technology innovation. As an active Board Director of Global OTEC, he brings deep expertise in driving large-scale energy projects and pioneering technological advancements.

A previously exited founder of a deepwater oil and gas company, Karl has built a strong reputation and an extensive network across the global energy sector. His deep industry connections enable Global OTEC to engage with major oil and gas companies, helping to form strategic partnerships and open commercial opportunities. He also plays a key role in advising on business strategy, leveraging his knowledge of large-scale project execution and corporate growth.

Simon oversees project delivery, supply chain management, contract negotiations, and overall operations. He joined Global OTEC in July 2024, answering the team’s call for a ‘Chief Organiser’. With a strong background in engineering and operations, he brings experience across a diverse range of industries—from coal-fired power stations to carbon capture startups, engineering consultancies, and capital equipment manufacturing. His academic credentials include a degree in Mechanical Engineering, a PhD in microtechnology, and an MBA. He is a Fellow and Chartered Member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers. Simon now channels his expertise (and the lessons learned along the way) into advancing Global OTEC’s Power Module from concept to reality. His role involves developing and implementing operational strategies, managing procurement, negotiating contracts, and maintaining stakeholder relationships.

Sam leads engineering development and the coordination of technical specifications. His journey with Global OTEC began in 2018 as a freelancer, and by 2022, he became the company’s first full-time hire. His recruitment involved an unconventional process—including conducting a makeshift thermocline field study in the Gulf of Guinea and presenting his findings to political leaders. Since then, he has overseen the fabrication of Global OTEC’s first physical demonstration and led its offshore installation. His career started at London Marine Consultants, where he worked on mooring systems for FPSO/FSO projects with companies such as Melittah, Petrobras, and Yinson.

Sam is deeply invested in OTEC, drawn to its unique design challenges and the opportunity to create a 24-hour renewable energy source. His expertise spans the structural, mechanical, and thermodynamic aspects of OTEC platforms, ensuring they operate efficiently and reliably.

Karina manages all aspects of Global OTEC’s communications, from social media and email marketing to video production and press outreach. An award-winning journalist with over seven years of experience in print and multimedia reporting in Brazil, her work has been recognised with multiple journalism awards, particularly for her coverage of environmental, health, and gender-based issues. Within just a year at Global OTEC, she was promoted from Marketing Executive to Communications Manager, thanks to her diverse digital and creative skillset. Nearly every Global OTEC campaign starts with her, and her efforts have expanded the company’s reach to millions worldwide. Karina also supports business development efforts in Brazil, having presented at technical conferences and established partnerships with academic institutions. She speaks four languages fluently: English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian.

Kashawn turns complex data into valuable insights to support site studies and project development. The team first learned about him at a United Nations event in Vienna, where his mentor tracked down Dan to enthusiastically share his CV. Soon after, Kashawn joined Global OTEC as a project analyst.

He is currently a PhD candidate in Environmental Studies at the University of the West Indies – Cave Hill Campus. His research, “A Technical Study of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion for Barbados”, positions him at the forefront of OTEC development in the Caribbean. Kashawn plays a crucial role in rapidly delivering desktop studies and building a global data map for OTEC site selection.

You can watch a recording of Dan and Kashawn’s first meeting on Global OTEC’s Island Voices channel here.

Claire has over a decade of experience supporting at a board level in London, and a further 8 years as a virtual executive assistant.

Claire is passionate about working with innovative start-ups and small businesses to provide them with the essential business support they need to enable them to continue to build and grow their businesses.

Claire has also worked with the events industry from all sides, most recently with a high-profile CEO and speaker, but also performing herself for 16 years. Claire performed in Japan, Portugal, and Cyprus and toured in theatre shows all over the UK.

Beth brings over 20 years of experience in infrastructure investment, project finance, and renewable energy development. Having started her career as a solicitor, she transitioned into commercial and investment roles, working at Balfour Beatty Investments before joining Foresight Group LLP in 2015 and later Gravis Capital in 2020. She has been at the forefront of funding large-scale renewable energy projects, including greenfield developments and emerging technologies, making her an invaluable asset to Global OTEC. Beth plays a hands-on role in Global OTEC’s fundraising strategy, working closely with Dan to refine investor outreach, advise on data rooms, and profile the right financial partners for the company’s growth. She brings a sharp understanding of project finance structures and risk assessment, helping the team shape investment proposals that align with the expectations of institutional investors and private equity. Her experience on the investor side of the table gives Global OTEC a critical edge in structuring deals and approaching capital markets with credibility and confidence.

Mungo has more than 40 years of experience in capital markets, venture funding, and commercialising cutting-edge technologies across multiple sectors. Having worked with leading investment banks such as Alex Brown, Dillon Read, Wertheim, and Cowen, he later founded a multinational merchant banking unit for Nomura, where he focused on accelerating healthcare innovations at a global scale.

Since shifting his focus to sustainable technology in 2004, Mungo has been deeply involved in financing and scaling early-stage renewable energy solutions. He is a Senior Technology Advisor to SIDS DOCK, a UN-recognised international organisation dedicated to advancing energy security and climate resilience in small island developing states. His work with SIDS DOCK aligns directly with Global OTEC’s mission, providing the company with crucial insights into government and intergovernmental funding mechanisms.

At Global OTEC, Mungo actively supports fundraising efforts, leveraging his extensive network of investors, advisors, and financiers to secure backing for the company’s next phase of growth. He plays a key role in investor profiling, outreach, and strategic introductions, helping Global OTEC navigate the complex financial landscape of commercialising ocean thermal energy.

Peet has over two decades of experience in business development, venture capital, and strategic advisory within the renewable energy and deep-tech sectors. As the Founding Partner of Climate VC, a firm dedicated to investing in early-stage climate technology solutions, he has played a crucial role in funding and scaling innovative businesses focused on tackling the climate crisis. His conviction in Global OTEC’s mission runs deep—his first investment at Climate VC was into the company, and he remains one of its most vocal champions. Peet brings a wealth of expertise in strategy, team building, and fundraising, helping to shape Global OTEC’s growth trajectory. His extensive network across the angel investor and family office space provides invaluable access to early-stage capital, and he actively advises the team on securing investment, refining commercial strategy, and positioning Global OTEC within the broader climate tech ecosystem.

Beyond capital, Peet’s background in artificial intelligence and data-driven decision-making gives him a unique ability to help Global OTEC navigate the complex landscape of scaling deep-tech solutions in emerging markets.