EMPLOYABILITY
From rugby to renewables: the making of an executive leader
Meet double alum, Iain Sinclair, former professional rugby player who works to develop sustainable infrastructure for the renewables industry.
Iain Sinclair is a man who loves a challenge.
Not content with working to deliver meaningful impact in the transition towards zero-carbon energy solutions, he has recently completed a world first by swimming the epic length of Scotland’s Caledonian Canal.
Stretching from the Atlantic to the North Sea, the canal is 60 miles long and required Iain to negotiate four lochs and 29 locks. Despite the cold and the physical demands, he met his target of completing the Sea2Sea challenge within 10 days, reaching his destination on the eighth day.
In a world-first achievement, Iain has raised over £70k for his nominated charities of the British Heart Foundation, Mikeysline, and Crohn’s & Colitis UK.
His drive, determination, and passion to make a difference is the epitome of executive excellence in action.
Currently Executive Director at Global Energy Service Holding, Iain is responsible for developing opportunities in offshore wind, green and blue hydrogen, and sustainable infrastructure, but he started his working life as a professional rugby player following graduation from Heriot-Watt University.
“I was a flanker for Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby, playing rugby professionally for four years until 2001,” Iain comments. “I then joined Murray International Metals, before holding executive leadership roles in heavy engineering, materials manufacturing, and renewable energy supply chains.”
miles swam in eight days
OVER
raised for his nominated charities
“I discovered no one had ever swum the full length of the Caledonian Canal – it was a challenge in every sense!”
Iain Sinclair
I’m passionate about the role innovation will play in a just transition.”
Iain Sinclair
It was while he was developing this career journey that Iain undertook an MBA with Heriot-Watt, studying part-time on campus in Edinburgh. “Professionally, and personally, it had a significant positive impact,” he comments.
“From a career perspective, I gained greater clarity of thought and a deeper understanding of areas frequently discussed around the board room table. This enabled me to bring new strategic thinking and concepts, and challenge existing processes and procedures,” Iain explains. “While personally, it was an amazing experience to engage with other executive level professionals on the programme and extremely stimulating, as well as a welcome tonic from the day job!” he adds.
Iain went on to be appointed Chief Business Development Officer for a global industrial business, leading commercial strategy and business development for metals manufacturing and renewable energy supply chain interests, before joining Global Energy Group in 2020.
“Here at Global Energy Service Holding, I lead our group-wide strategic business transition towards low-carbon and renewable energy market opportunities and related infrastructure investment projects,” he explains. “I’m passionate about the role innovation will play in a just transition, particularly when combined with industry collaboration with high performance teams.”
Iain is also currently Vice Chair of Scottish Renewables, a board director of Renewable UK, a Non-Executive Director at Offshore Wind Growth Partnership as well as Mocean Energy, and chairs the Scottish Offshore Wind Ports Alliance.
Commenting on his recent achievements in the water, Iain explains: “I discovered no one had ever swum the full length of the Caledonian Canal, from sea to sea across the Highlands of Scotland. I have attempted triathlons, and swimming was always the hardest event for me—heavy rugby player legs and the nickname ‘Sinky’ says it all! So, this was a challenge in every sense!"
Iain in his professional rugby days.
Serving as Executive Director at Global Energy Service Holding.
Our alumni achieve incredible things, personally and professionally, to bring about positive change in the world. Telling their inspirational stories is what The Watt is all about. Get in touch to tell us yours.
Learn more about Iain’s challenge.
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