Our team

The Regen SW team comprises:

Merlin Hyman, chief executive   

 

 

 

Merlin is responsible for the overall management of Regen SW, the development of its work programme, relationships with key national and regional partners, and for providing public leadership for sustainable energy in the region.
 
Merlin was previously director of the Environmental Industries Commission (EIC), where he championed the views of the environmental technology and services industry to the government. He helped lead the debate about to how to ensure that British companies succeed in the rapidly growing worldwide market for low-carbon and resource-efficient products and services. Merlin is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, holds an MSc from Lancaster University in European Environmental Policy, and an Honours Degree from the University of Bristol.

Cheryl Hiles, director of sustainable energy delivery 

 

 

 

Cheryl is responsible for Regen SW's broad programme of activity to support the delivery of sustainable energy in the region. She works with both the public and private sector to create an environment attractive for investment in sustainable energy and continues to be proactive on planning and policy issues, where she has led a number of successful initiatives to improve policy and practice within the region.

Cheryl began her career as the planning and environmental policy advisor at the South West Regional Assembly, where she was instrumental in setting up the REvision 2010 project to establish sub-regional renewable energy targets. She holds a first class honours degree in Geography and Applied Economics, and an MSc in Sustainable Environmental Management. Cheryl is a trustee of the Centre for Sustainable Energy, a national charity based in Bristol.

Keith Gillanders, senior advisor

 

 

 

Keith has worked at Regen SW since 2003 in a variety of areas including wave energy, biomass, and low carbon housing. In 2008 he led the development of a major report The Road to 2020 showing how the south west could meet the government's 15 per cent target for renewable energy by 2020. Currently he plays a leading role in the development of new business support and technology acceleration projects.

Keith has 30 years' experience in engineering and consultancy. He was a VSO volunteer in West Africa and then worked for engineering consultants on electricity schemes and power system planning. Prior to joining Regen SW, Keith was employed by PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he managed assignments for utility companies and the government in the UK and overseas. He is an electrical engineer with a MSc in economics.

Chloe Uden, finance and operations manager

 

 

 

Chloe has worked with Regen SW since 2005 and is responsible for managing our internal operations and financial systems, and ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Chloe has a masters in Arts & Cultural Management, and has many years experience running exhibitions, performances, seminars and workshops within the arts and education sectors across the South West. She developed an interest in environmental issues while running themed artist-in-schools projects.

Tony Norton, head of low-carbon development

 

 

 

Tony is responsible for Regen SW's promotion of low-carbon development in the south west.  He provides strategic advice on sustainable energy and onsite renewables, particularly in large new housing developments. Tony joined Regen SW from the University of Exeter's Centre for Energy and the Environment, which specialises in applied research in the built environment. He continues to hold a part-time position at the university.

Tony has over 25 years' experience in the energy sector, and has held a variety of managerial, commercial and technical positions in the UK and overseas. He is a Chartered Chemical Engineer and has an MBA from Cranfield University.

James Reddy, communications manager

 

 

 

James works to promote the south west's position as a leader in sustainable energy.  He is responsible for our public relations and public affairs work with the media, councillors and MPs. He is also editor of our publications and our website.

James previously worked as senior media relations executive for the East of England Development Agency, and prior to that he was a public relations consultant and copywriter.  James has 10 years' PR and marketing communications experience, and holds an honours degree in Public Media.

Stephen Green, technology project manager

 

 

 

Stephen is responsible for our technology support and leads the organisation's biomass development programme.

Stephen joined Regen SW in june 2008, and has a background in Systems Engineering, Project and Programme Management.  He holds an honours degree in Engineering, is a Chartered Electrical Engineer, and Member of the Association of Project Management.

Lee Richards, business support manager

 

 

 

Lee is Regen SW's business support manager and works with the head of business development to provide strategic support to the south west renewable energy supply chain. He is responsible for understanding the capabilities of businesses in the region, and delivering activities to improve and exploit this capability.  In addition, Regen SW's broader remit will see Lee working to grow and support energy-efficiency businesses in the south west .

Lee has worked assisting businesses in the region for the past six years and joined Regen SW from Promar International Ltd where he worked as a business consultant. He holds a first class honours degree in Business and Estate Management and an MSc in Business Management.

Hazel Evans, sustainable energy analyst

 

 

 

Hazel is responsible for developing and delivering research on sustainable energy markets and technology.  She provides analytical support across Regen SW's work streams to team members and projects as required. 

Hazel joined Regen SW from the South West Regional Assembly, where she worked on the development of the region's climate change action plan.  Hazel holds a first class honours degree in Management with French and an MSc in International Development. 

Johnny Gowdy, head of business support

 

 

 

Johnny Gowdy joined the team in Novenber 2008 to head up our extended business support programme. He comes from a background in management consultancy having being a partner with the global consultancy firm Accenture, were he worked within their energy practice. He has worked with many companies in the UK and abroad, mainly within the oil & gas and utility sectors. He has a wide range of business and commercial experience especially in the area of supply chain and business process improvement.
 
Johnny is a graduate from Queens College, Oxford University with a honours degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics.

Rachel Hayes, events and communications co-ordinator

 

 

 

Rachel is responsible for the organisation and management of all Regen SW events including the annual Renewable Futures conference and the Green Energy Awards dinner.  She also plays a key role in Regen SW's marketing communications activities, helping promote the south west's position as a leader in sustainable energy.

Rachel joined Regen SW in July 2009 and has a background in marketing and event management.  She holds an honours degree in Tourism Management and a CAM diploma in Marketing Communications. 

Felicity Boustred, PA to the chief executive

 

 

 

Felicity is Merlin's personal assistant, and she is also responsible for ensuring that the Regen SW office smoothly, making sure that team members have sufficient administrative support to do their jobs efficiently and effectively.

Felicity graduated in 2005 with a degree in Theatre and Performance.  Prior to joining Regen SW she has worked as a senior administrator in defence communications and in as an events manager.