Back on the Front Lines of Solar: Why I’m Eager to Dive Deeper into European Solar Talent Searches

After more than a decade of leading Hyperion Executive Search and focusing on the strategic growth of cleantech talent, I’m excited to be dedicating more of my time to a more active role in solar energy search and hiring (and still leading Hyperion). I've missed it. There’s something energizing about being on the front line, connecting directly with the leaders and visionaries shaping Europe’s solar landscape. In today’s market, the need for targeted, expert search and placement is greater than ever. I’m eager to get back in the mix and bring my years of hands-on experience to the table.

Why Now?

Solar is entering a new and rapid growth phase. According to the recent IEA forecast, solar is set to play the dominant role in Europe’s energy mix in the coming years. With ambitious targets, particularly in the EU, the demand for experienced, innovative leaders has never been higher. We’re looking at an industry aiming for more than a 35% growth in installed solar capacity globally by 2026, and Europe is at the heart of this transformation.

This demand for growth brings an intense need for talent. However, the current hiring landscape is challenging, with a tight talent pool, high expectations, and the essential need to recruit leaders with not just experience, but also adaptability, resilience, and the ability to drive transformative change. For many companies, this isn’t simply about hiring but about finding the right leaders who can fuel long-term success.

Drawing from Experience in the Field

My journey in solar began long before my days in executive search. I co-founded and scaled a solar installation company in the UK during a time when the sector was still finding its footing. We navigated the complex and sometimes unpredictable waves of policy changes, customer education, and market dynamics, and our work earned numerous business and industry awards. Along the way, I served on the Renewable Energy Association’s policy board, advocating for more progressive policies to support renewable growth.

These experiences taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, adaptation, and the leadership traits that drive success in this industry. Now, I’m looking forward to bringing that knowledge directly to the executive search process once again—working with clients to identify not just candidates, but leaders and talents who understand the demands and opportunities unique to solar.

Expanding Our Talent Reach to Key Individual Contributors

In addition to leadership roles, I’ll also be focusing on recruiting strategically important individual contributors (ICs) within the sector. These roles are often the backbone of a solar organization, driving critical technical, operational, and innovation-focused tasks that support and accelerate growth. By combining my expertise in leadership search with targeted recruitment for ICs, I can ensure that companies have the depth and breadth of talent they need at all levels.

What This Means for My Clients

For our clients, my more active role means access to not only a search partner but someone who has first-hand experience with the challenges they’re facing. I’m ready to connect with CEOs, founders and leaders in solar organisations, the VCs that fund them, and other key stakeholders in the sector to build teams capable of leading Europe’s solar energy revolution. My goal is to ensure the best fit for both company culture and the demands of a fast-evolving market.

This isn’t just another shift; it’s a recommitment to supporting the solar industry at a critical time. I’m here to provide actionable insights, share stories from my days on the ground in solar, and, of course, help companies find the best talent to achieve their ambitious goals.

Hyperion Search still services clients across cleantech, for those of you most closely linked to the electrification of transport, and future mobility contact my colleague Stephen R. . For those in the energy storage and grid space, be sure to follow David Beeston

If you’re in solar and seeking guidance or support in finding top talent—from C-suite to key individual contributors—I’m always open to a conversation. Let’s build the future of solar together.

David