Search & Advisory

We combine 15 years of sector expertise with a proven track record in executive search and strategic advisory for renewable infrastructure funds, private equity, and IPPs. Our work spans the full investment cycle from platform build-out and market entry via acquisition to go-to-market execution and exit readiness. Through leadership search, compensation benchmarking, and organisational advisory, we help clients build high-performing teams that create value, manage risk, and deliver sustainable growth.

Knowledge. Network. Reach

We combine deep sector knowledge with global insight and trusted networks across renewable infrastructure, private equity, and IPPs. Our understanding of market drivers, investor priorities, and emerging trends enables us to identify the talent and leadership structures that create value and de-risk execution. Backed by 15 years of specialist search experience, we deliver informed, precise, and impactful solutions that strengthen portfolios and accelerate growth across the energy transition.

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Search Built for Impact

We deliver leadership hires that align with your investment strategy, culture, and long-term goals. With 15 years of expertise in renewable infrastructure and executive search, our advisory-led process goes beyond credentials, combining behavioural and technical assessment with psychometric insight to predict performance and de-risk decisions.

Every appointment is built for impact, accelerating platform growth, strengthening execution, and creating lasting value across the investment cycle.

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Leadership Appointments

Board

We appoint board leaders who strengthen governance, create value, and guide platforms through growth and transition.

C-Suite

We appoint C-Suite leaders who drive value creation, operational excellence, and platform growth.

Leadership Team

We identify and develop the next generation of leaders who build resilient, high-performing platforms.

BU Leaders

We appoint business unit leaders with the technical depth and commercial acumen to de-risk delivery and drive performance.

Specialist & Embedded Search

Niche Search

We deliver niche searches with precision and pace, connecting clients to specialised talent across the renewable infrastructure value chain.

Outsourced Partnership

We provide outsourced search partnerships that streamline multi-hire and scale-up projects across portfolios, ensuring consistency, speed, and quality.

Advisory

Assessment

We use psychometric insight to predict leadership performance, reduce hiring risk, and strengthen decision-making.

Board Composition

We advise on board composition to strengthen governance, enhance diversity, and align leadership with strategic priorities.

Compensation

We provide data-driven compensation insight to align leadership incentives, attract top talent, and support long-term value creation.

Market Entry

We deliver market entry insight through targeted benchmarking and competitor analysis to inform investment and expansion decisions.

Process Improvement

We streamline hiring processes to enhance efficiency, consistency, and performance across portfolios and platforms.

“Our work helps shape the future of energy and the environment by connecting exceptional talent with the platforms driving real change.”

Eduardo Martinez, Associate 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.