Decerna Group is expanding its board to include two non-executive directors, Aleksandra Klassen and Alan Lowdon OBE.
Since 2009, Decerna has moved from being a four-person department of the National Renewable Energy Centre (Narec, now ORE Catapult), becoming an independent entity in 2012, and into an internationally active group that delivers a wide range of Net Zero services, including energy audits, consultancy, feasibilities, policy advice, Life Cycle Assessment, and development of solar/wind/battery sites.
In order to support the rapid expansion of Decerna, the non-executive directors will use their wide range of knowledge to advise the Decerna Group board.
Aleksandra has experience working as a director of her own business (Klassen Energy Consulting) whilst also working with Solar Energy UK (SEUK), where she became well-known for her political and industry lobbying. Following this, she moved to RE100 as a Senior Impact Manager, where she supported Apple, Unilever and other RE100 members with their climate commitments and worked with regional partners and key stakeholders to open renewable energy markets. She is currently working with Schneider Electric’s Renewable Energy & Carbon Advisory business as a Client Development Manager, helping primarily Data Centers, Telecoms and Semiconductor companies navigate renewable energy options in Europe, including Corporate PPAs. Aleksandra has a strong knowledge of the industry and policy, is well-connected on a high level (in terms of industry, politics, and finance), and has supported Decerna since 2017, when she joined SEUK.
Alan has worked within the energy industry since 1982, and acts as a non-exec board member for multiple organisations and as an adviser. He is well-connected within the industry and also has an awareness of political activities, both local and national, through his advisory roles. He has been involved with the Durham Energy Institute for 14 years and currently acts there as a Professor in Practice. Alan has experience in supporting (as an investor, non-exec director and coach) early-stage Cleantech companies and IP commercialisation. He has international linkages for Decerna’s potential use and experience working within large energy-related organisations such as BP, Shell, ORE Catapult, Mott McDonald, SKM and others. Alan was awarded an OBE in 2022 for ‘services to UK-US offshore wind collaboration’.
Aleksandra Klassen said;
I’m delighted to support Decerna as a non-executive director in its new phase of growth. Over the last five years I’ve watched their holistic, bespoke approach to developing low-carbon solutions show what’s possible for smaller and medium-sized UK businesses, which often get left out of the Net-Zero picture. The power of convening and relationship building to shift policy as well as to identify business opportunities is what I aim to bring to accelerate Decerna’s purpose of unlocking the low carbon economy to reduce carbon emissions and operating costs and increase profitability and living standards.
Alan Lowdon said;
It’s a true pleasure to add Decerna to my non-executive director portfolio. I have watched from afar as the business has blossomed over the last ten years or so. I now look forward to connecting the organisation with my national and international networks. Raising the company’s profile overseas, where the Cleantech agenda continues to be influenced by innovative UK companies such as Decerna, will be a key focus of mine. Not only will this support Decerna’s growth, but it will also address the global Net-Zero challenges that exist.
Adam Stewart, executive director at Decerna, said;
We are very excited to expand the board of Decerna Group, the valuable knowledge and experience of Aleksandra and Alan will help guide the growth of the business as we expand our Net Zero services.
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For more information, contact info@decerna.co.uk
