Our Vision, Mission, and Purpose
Vision
To set a new standard of excellence in Search & Advisory, partnering with leaders and investors shaping the global energy transition.
Mission
To empower value creation and positive change by strengthening leadership capability that enables growth, enhances performance, and de-risks execution across the energy transition.
Purpose
To create lasting impact for our clients, our people, and the energy transition through trusted partnerships built on excellence, integrity, and shared progress.
Our Principles
Passion
We are committed to supporting the energy transition through leadership that strengthens platforms, enables scale, and delivers long-term value.
Excellence
We hold ourselves to the highest standards of rigour and judgement. Through market intelligence, precise execution, and deep sector expertise, we provide insight-led guidance that underpins confident, high-impact leadership decisions.
Commitment
We are fully invested in the success of our clients, our colleagues, and the impact of our work. Every partnership is approached with discipline, focus, and accountability, ensuring consistent value creation and enduring outcomes.
Integrity
Trust is the foundation of our business. We act with transparency, discretion, and purpose, always guided by what is right for our clients, our partners, and the long-term progress of the energy transition.
“People are the driving force behind every organisation’s success, the foundation of value creation, performance, and culture.”
Matthew Riley, Founder & Managing Partner
Rhys William
Principal
Rhys leads leadership search across Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and grid infrastructure at Walter Hewitt, advising clients on senior and specialist appointments within critical energy transition platforms. He partners with infrastructure funds, private equity investors, and independent power producers across Europe and the United States, strengthening leadership capability in support of grid stability, system flexibility, and long-term value creation.
Recognised for his precision and depth of market understanding, Rhys combines detailed sector intelligence with a rigorous, insight-led search approach. He supports clients in making high-confidence leadership decisions for complex, technically demanding projects.
Finley Walters
Practice Lead - Renewables & Infrastructure Legal Search
Finley advises energy transition infrastructure investors and platforms on senior legal leadership appointments across Europe and emerging markets.
With a foundation in law and experience across complex advisory mandates, Finley combines legal judgement with leadership search expertise to strengthen legal capability at platform and portfolio level. His work spans project development, M&A, regulatory frameworks, commercial contracting, and corporate governance, supporting clients in aligning legal leadership with growth strategy, risk management, and operational integrity.
Finley is trusted by both in-house and private practice clients for his measured, insight-led approach and his ability to align legal strategy with organisational and investment priorities across the energy transition.
James Cooper
Non-Executive Director
James was appointed Non-Executive Director of Walter Hewitt at the end of 2023. He is responsible for working closely with the leadership team to develop the company’s corporate, operational and client strategies. James is a Director of the coaching and leadership business D3 Partnership, he sits on the Board of Trustees for the Lloyd’s Benevolent Fund and since 2016 has been the Founder and Managing Director of Damhurst, a leading executive search firm in the global insurance market.
Matthew Riley
Founder & Managing Partner
Matthew Riley is the Founder and Managing Partner of Walter Hewitt, where he advises energy transition infrastructure investors and platforms on leadership strategy, organisational design, and board composition.
He brings over two decades of experience in leadership search and advisory, supporting critical appointments across the full investment lifecycle.
Matthew is known for his judgement, discretion, and deep sector insight, and is recognised for identifying transformative leaders that enable scale, resilience, and long-term value creation across the energy transition.
Eduardo Martinez
Associate Director
Eduardo oversees the execution of client mandates across the energy transition infrastructure sector, supporting leadership appointments from mandate definition through to successful outcome. Together with his team, he partners with infrastructure funds, private equity investors, and independent power producers to strengthen technical, commercial, and leadership capability in support of value creation and execution excellence.
He has delivered complex and highly specialised leadership engagements across Europe and the United States, covering functions including Energy Management, Finance, Development, and Portfolio Optimisation. Known for his analytical and insight-led approach, Eduardo supports clients in making high-confidence leadership decisions informed by market intelligence and sector benchmarking.
Ellie Miles
Office Manager
Ellie is Walter Hewitt’s Office Manager and provides vital operational and administrative support across the business. She ensures the smooth running of day-to-day activities and plays a key role in coordinating both internal operations and external company events.
With strong organisational skills and a collaborative approach, Ellie supports the team in maintaining the high standards of efficiency, professionalism, and client service that define Walter Hewitt. Her focus on detail and consistency helps create a well-structured, engaged, and forward-thinking working environment.
Claire Townsend
Finance
Claire provides finance support to Walter Hewitt, overseeing invoicing, client finance queries, and tax coordination. She works closely with our external accountants and advisors to ensure the business operates smoothly, efficiently, and in full financial compliance.
With a strong focus on accuracy and process, Claire plays an important role in maintaining financial discipline across the business, supporting the Walter Hewitt team in delivering a consistently high standard of service to clients and partners.