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With a career spanning four continents and over 30 countries, Paddy has built a reputation for getting things done in some of the world’s most challenging contexts. As Odyssey’s Director of Delivery for Data Services, he combines experience in large-scale infrastructure, data, and finance to help clients build quality, sustainable energy assets that last.
Background & journey
Paddy grew up in the north of England, in a home full of creativity and projects thanks to his father, an engineer in manufacturing. “I felt a real draw towards primary industry and to getting stuff done,” he reflects. That drive led him into project management, where he trained in large energy infrastructure projects. Over time, his career expanded into the intersection of data and finance: “As my career developed, I became increasingly interested in how data and finance complement that original driver I had, which was to get things built.”
His career has since taken him across 8 cities, 4 continents, and collaborations in more than 30 countries. This international experience has shaped how he approaches leadership. “I find it fascinating how different people think through problems and how decisions are reached in different cultures. I thrive in environments with a culture of empowerment, and that strongly influences my own style.”
Before joining Odyssey, Paddy led major project portfolios at Siemens, where he managed large, multidisciplinary teams. “The main lesson I carry forward is that no single person has all the answers. It’s critical to seek diverse inputs, but equally important to recognise when a decision needs to be made.”
When the opportunity arose at Odyssey, Paddy embraced it. “I wanted to push myself in a new environment. Working in a startup, across different geographies, really appealed to me. Over time, I’ve been exposed to an increasingly broad range of stakeholders and clients. It’s fantastic to deliver such a breadth of value-add as they work to get impactful projects delivered.”
Strategic initiatives at Odyssey
As Director of Delivery for Data Services, Paddy’s role is all about helping clients understand, manage, and grow their energy infrastructure portfolios. “We assist clients in discerning trends, optimising project lifecycle workflows, disbursing finance, and making informed decisions about their assets and markets. We build feedback loops that inspire confidence and enhance future decision-making.”
He also leads Odyssey’s technical support team, working with engineering to manage everything “under the bonnet”, from how data is collected and processed, to how it’s visualised and analysed across asset portfolios.
One of his most rewarding projects so far has been Odyssey’s World Bank pilot for Energy-as-a-Service in public facility electrification. “It really shows how managing asset data meaningfully makes for more successful infrastructure and a lifecycle approach. Our market doesn’t struggle to get assets built—but it does struggle to get quality and sustainable assets built. This project is an important step toward solving that problem, especially in some of the most challenging geographies.”
Insights on renewable energy & infrastructure
Looking ahead, Paddy sees data as essential to building better projects. “One critical role of data is to increase the quality and robustness of projects. Real-world operational data should inform the way business cases are built and appraised. Too often, key sensitivities are ignored. We need to use data in the most critical manner possible to build and operate the best assets.”
His experience in emerging markets has also shaped his thinking. “Getting stuff done can be hard, even in the most stable of environments. In logistically challenging contexts, you need attention to detail and flexibility. But in the end, most problems are solved by people, by understanding the drivers and context they’re working within. The first head of operations I worked for taught me that people make projects. I’ve not been convinced otherwise.”
One recent development that felt particularly symbolic to him was the September 2024 closure of the last coal-powered power station in the UK. “There was something very circular about the UK: the birthplace of coal power and the industrial revolution, finally drawing a line under that chapter.”
Asked what bottleneck he would remove from renewable energy deployment, Paddy points to grid congestion and curtailment. “We have the technology to solve these issues, but they’ve taken too long to become strategic priorities. The exciting part is seeing the impact of businesses building solutions in flexibility, grid intelligence, and capacity management—all combining data, technology, and infrastructure to get more out of what we already have.”
Personal reflections
Outside of energy, Paddy has coached rowing in both the UK and New Zealand. “Sport has been a big part of my life, and I’ve been able to enjoy it in different countries with people from all backgrounds. My main observation is that when a team has a clear goal and a competitive environment, they tend to deliver their best work.”
A source of inspiration for him comes from Ernest Shackleton’s ill-fated Antarctic expedition. “It was a total failure, but I’m yet to read a greater example of leadership, resilience, and sheer optimism in the face of impossible odds. Shackleton’s focus on courage and patience has been invaluable in building my own resilience.”
And when asked what keeps him motivated? Paddy keeps it simple: “Helping build quality, sustainable infrastructure that actually works, in some of the hardest places in the world to get things done.”
