Our Leadership

Our success is built on the expertise, commitment, and integrity of our people, delivering solutions with vision, precision, and purpose.

Leadership Team

Matthew Riley

Founder & Managing Partner

Eduardo Martinez

Associate Director

Rhys William

Principal

Finley Walters

Practice Lead – Renewables & Infrastructure Legal Search

Ellie Miles

Office Manager

Claire Townsend

Finance

James Cooper

Non-Executive Director

Rhys William

Principal

Rhys leads search execution at Walter Hewitt, specialising in senior and specialist appointments across Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Grid Infrastructure. He partners with infrastructure funds, private equity investors, and independent power producers across Europe and the U.S., delivering leadership and technical talent that enable grid stability, flexibility, and energy transition goals.

Recognised for his precision and depth of market understanding, Rhys combines detailed sector intelligence with a tailored, data-led search methodology. He enables clients to secure the expertise and leadership required to deliver complex projects with confidence and precision.

Finley Walters

Practice Lead - Renewables & Infrastructure Legal Search

Finley leads Walter Hewitt’s Renewable Energy Legal Search Practice, partnering with independent power producers, infrastructure funds, private equity investors, and law firms to build high-performing legal teams across Europe and emerging markets.

With a foundation in law and experience spanning the full search lifecycle, Finley combines legal acumen with search expertise to deliver counsel and leadership talent who create strategic value. His work covers project development, M&A, regulatory compliance, contracts, and corporate governance, advising clients on the legal capabilities needed to enable growth, manage risk, and ensure 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 objectives across the renewable infrastructure landscape.

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

With over two decades in executive search, Matthew is the Founder and Managing Partner of Walter Hewitt, where he leads the firm’s strategic direction, growth, and client partnerships.

Matthew works closely with renewable infrastructure funds, private equity investors, and independent power producers, advising on leadership appointments and organisational design that underpin value creation, platform build-out, and exit readiness.

He remains hands-on with clients, bringing deep sector insight and a structured, outcome-focused approach to every engagement. Having delivered mandates across Europe, LATAM, and emerging markets, Matthew is recognised for his ability to align talent strategy with investment and operational objectives, helping clients navigate complex markets, scale with confidence, and deliver lasting performance.

+44 (0) 7854 156259

Eduardo Martinez

Associate Director

Eduardo oversees the execution of client mandates in the renewable energy and infrastructure sectors, managing projects from inception through to delivery. Together with his team, he works with infrastructure funds, private equity investors and independent power producers to identify and appoint technical, commercial and leadership talent that enables value creation and reduces execution risk.

He has successfully delivered complex and highly specialised searches across Europe and the U.S, covering functions such as Energy Management, Finance, Development and Portfolio Optimisation. Known for his analytical and insight-led approach, Eduardo supports clients in making informed hiring decisions grounded in 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.