The story behind the search
The challenge
Investment created an urgent need for senior expertise
Rye Development manages hydropower and long-duration energy storage projects across the United States. Following significant investment, it needed three senior leaders to support critical projects.
Hydropower and storage expertise was scarce, particularly in markets such as Oregon. With no internal HR team and time-sensitive projects, CEO Paul Jacob needed a focused external search.
The takeaway: Three senior roles supporting large-scale energy storage projects.
The brief
Origination and development across the project lifecycle
The brief covered a Vice President of Project Origination and two Vice Presidents of Project Development.
The origination role required project sourcing, complex power purchase agreement negotiations and financing experience. The development leaders needed to manage project lifecycles in Oregon and Florida, including regulatory approvals, deadlines and cross-functional teams.
The takeaway: Commercial origination and technical development capability.
The search
Targeting experienced passive candidates
Executive Integrity analysed the technical and leadership requirements of each position before approaching relevant professionals across renewable energy, hydropower and storage.
The shortlist considered proven project experience alongside cultural and strategic alignment, giving Rye’s CEO a focused group of candidates able to contribute quickly.
The takeaway: A curated shortlist of experienced renewable energy leaders.
The placement
Three senior appointments for the leadership team
Dan Sarti joined as Vice President of Project Origination, bringing more than two decades in renewable energy and a strong record in complex PPA negotiations.
Malcolm Harkness joined as Vice President of Project Development with experience overseeing the full lifecycle of renewable energy projects.
Brianne Sheron was joining as Vice President of Project Development at the time of the original case study, bringing large-scale infrastructure and hydropower experience relevant to the Florida programme.
The takeaway: Origination and project development experience added to the team.
The result
Capacity to progress the LDES portfolio
The appointments strengthened Rye’s commercial foundations and development capability. Dan’s origination expertise supported its project pipeline, while Malcolm’s leadership supported scheduling and regulatory compliance.
Brianne’s infrastructure and hydropower background matched the requirements of the Florida initiatives. Together, the appointments supported the company’s long-term storage programme.
The takeaway: Leadership aligned with the commercial and delivery demands of LDES.
Why it matters
A specialist search that respected the timetable
The assignment combined an understanding of hydropower and storage with direct access to experienced leaders. A carefully assessed shortlist reduced the demands on a small internal team.
Technical assessment and strategic alignment helped connect urgent hiring needs with the requirements of complex, long-term projects.
The takeaway: Niche expertise and focused assessment supported timely decisions.
Is a critical hire holding you back?
When the right experience is difficult to find, you need more than a shortlist. Tell us what you’re trying to achieve and we’ll help you find the people with the expertise to make it happen.
