The Global OTEC team has decades of combined experience in designing and building floating systems for the oil and gas space, as well as developing utility projects in frontier markets.
FOUNDER & CEO
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
LEAD ENGINEER
BOARD DIRECTOR
HEAD OF OPERATIONS
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
In 2015, Dan worked as a marketing manager for a luxury fashion company. One evening, while watching ice caps cascade into the ocean during a re-run of Frozen Planet, Dan suddenly realised he needed to do something to help. He quit his job the next day to join the global effort to reverse the climate crisis.
While researching climate solutions, Dan came across Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion, or OTEC. It had the potential to provide affordable, clean energy to the Small Island Developing States that urgently need it. But developers had been distracted by huge, mega-scale OTEC systems. This inspired Dan’s vision to start small and reduce tropical island nations’ reliance on fossil fuels through OTEC. Using his experience in building exceptional teams, he assembled world-class OTEC and offshore engineering professionals and launched Global OTEC in 2017. He’s been the main driver of the company’s development, forged partnerships with intergovernmental organisations, and speaks regularly at UN events as an ocean energy authority.
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
A journalist with over seven years of work experience as a print and multimedia news reporter in Brazil, awarded five times in national and international journalism competitions with articles focused on Environment, Health and Gender-based Violence. Experience also as a freelance radio and print media reporter in Uruguay and Portugal.
Graduated in Social Communications – Journalism, Karina holds specialisation courses in marketing, social media and creative writing, and eventual collaborations with podcasts, blogs and online magazines worldwide.
Moving from the press in 2019 to the institutional communications and marketing sector, she takes advantage of her diversified background experience to provide creative solutions that contribute to connecting people not only with the brand but with the Global OTEC’s mission.
LEAD ENGINEER
Sam Johnston assumes overall engineering responsibility and multi-disciplinary coordination of all technical packages of the OTEC Barge. Since 2018, Sam has undertaken detailed investigations into the structural and mechanical design of OTEC platform designs to better understand their structural integrity and perfect their electricity generation process.
Sam was drawn to OTEC because of the exciting design challenges it offers. He believes the technology has the potential to provide 24-hour energy without margins on when it can be active and that he can make his mark by improving on previous developments. Sam recently carried out successful thermocline studies at a location in the Gulf of Guinea and presented the company’s findings from feasibility studies at public consultations. He is also passionate about grid-connectivity and works closely with technical experts at utility companies to help design the best solution.
Neil Reynolds is an accomplished C-suite executive recognised for growing businesses, building high-performing teams and delivering improved results and mega projects for some of the world’s leading Fortune 500 engineering and construction companies. His broad expertise is thanks to a varied background in developed and emerging economies and both vertical and horizontal construction. This includes: buildings; infrastructure; industrial; defence and security; high technology facilities; water and wastewater treatment; environmental solutions; transportation infrastructure; as well as major programmes and complex projects. A Chartered Engineer (CEng) with a Bachelor of Science (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).
Following a Board Career, Neil became a Non-Executive Director of Global OTEC in 2021. He provides an external, independent perspective to the board, assists with strategy and helps develop the business to ensure all risks are suitably managed. His wide-ranging skillset and network – from sales to delivery – make Neil a valuable addition to the company.
HEAD OF OPERATIONS
Dr Simon Mutzenich is a seasoned Engineering and Operations Manager with a diverse background across multiple industries, including engineering consultancy, coal-fired power stations, capital equipment OEMs, industrial robotic integration, and carbon capture startups. With a foundation in Mechanical Engineering, Simon furthered his expertise with a PhD, an MBA, and has earned recognition as a Fellow and Chartered Member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers. His impressive 20-year career encompasses roles such as Project Manager, Director of Operations, and Managing Director.
Simon now channels his extensive experience into advancing the renewable energy sector. He oversees Project Delivery, Supply Chain Management, Contract Management, and general Operations, playing a crucial role in pioneering new renewable energy solutions. His responsibilities include developing and implementing operational strategies, managing procurement, negotiating contracts, planning, building and maintaining stakeholder relationships, and reporting. Simon’s commitment and expertise are pivotal in driving the transition to a more sustainable energy future.
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Claire has over a decade of experience supporting at 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 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, Cyprus and toured in theatre shows all over the UK.
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER
With 20 years of infrastructure experience Beth has been investing in renewables and cleantech for 10 years. Much of her experience has focused on greenfield development opportunities, complex thermal process plant and taking new technologies from concept to stable operations. Beth is a board adviser for Global OTEC and will particularly focus on the project development, structuring and funding of the pipeline of opportunities.
Beth started her career as a solicitor with Masons before joining Balfour Beatty Investments in a commercial role where she worked across a broad range of project financing. She joined Foresight Group LLP in 2015 and moved to Gravis Capital in 2020. She has worked across a broad range of climate related investment strategies for both listed and private markets. She has an LLB (Hons) from Bristol University.
She is an experienced non-executive board director, and completed the CFA Institute Certificate in ESG Investing in November 2022.
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER
Mungo has 40+ years of experience in the capital markets, specifically involved in technology and healthcare innovation, development and implementation. He worked initially with American investment banks such as Alex Brown, Dillon Read, Wertheim and Cowen.
Laterally he launched a multinational merchant banking unit for Nomura. The focus of the unit was to accelerate deployment of healthcare innovation globally.
In 2004, he embraced sustainable technology innovation, such as renewable energy. He is now a director and/or advisor to companies with an ESG focus looking to scale up and roll out. He sees ocean thermal energy conversion as an essential need for SIDS DOCK member countries and more.
Mungo is also a Senior Technology Advisor to SIDS DOCK.
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER
Karl Farrow is the newest addition to Global OTEC’s advisory board. With decades of industry expertise, including successful energy ventures and leadership roles, Karl’s deep knowledge of offshore engineering will be invaluable. In his role, he will be supporting our leadership’s growth efforts and challenging our project delivery strategy.
Peet Denny is Founding Partner @ Climate VC.
