Q: Tell us your background and when you first became interested in energy?  

A: I’ve always been fascinated by how systems work and how infrastructure underpins our daily lives. Growing up with two electrical engineers as parents certainly played a role in shaping that interest.

Q: How did you first hear about the Energy Institute and what motivated you to join?

A: I was first introduced to the Energy Institute during my third year at university, and I have remained engaged with the organisation throughout my professional journey. The membership has enabled me to stay connected to both regional and international developments in the sector while contributing to a community of professionals who are collectively working to address some of the most important energy challenges of our time.

Q: How has being an AMEI benefitted you in your career?  

A: The Energy Institute has provided access to a diverse and highly engaged network of energy professionals, enabling valuable knowledge exchange and professional development opportunities throughout my career. Beyond the technical learning aspects, it has also created opportunities to build meaningful professional relationships across different parts of the energy sector.  

I chair the Young Professionals Network (YPN) for the region and have been part of the Energy Institute chapter for over a decade.

Q: Tell us about your current job and industry, and how your work is contributing towards a just transition to net zero?

A: I am currently leading the Sustainability Solutions Advisory team at KPMG Middle East, a new role I have taken on after more than a decade in consulting with the ‘Big Four’ firms across the region.  

I find the role particularly engaging as we are well positioned to partner with leading government entities, policymakers and corporates across the region to help shape and accelerate the sustainability agenda. What I find most rewarding is the opportunity to work at the intersection of strategy, policy and implementation – translating the region’s ambitious sustainability priorities into tangible actions and outcomes.

My work spans helping organisations define their sustainability ambitions, develop decarbonisation and net zero pathways, strengthen environmental, social and governance (ESG) and reporting practices, and integrate sustainability considerations into strategic decision-making and investment plans.

A significant part of my role involves working closely with executive leadership teams, government entities and key stakeholders to identify material priorities, establish measurable targets and translate sustainability commitments into practical implementation roadmaps. Ultimately, my focus is on helping organisations create long-term value while responding to evolving stakeholder expectations and sustainability-related risks and opportunities.

Q: You studied engineering at university. Reflecting on its relevance in your day-to-day responsibilities, how often do engineering topics and engineering thinking figure, a decade or more after your graduation?  

A: I help my clients solve complex sustainability challenges in today’s world to ensure they have a sound and practical roadmap for their decarbonisation and energy transition. For most of my clients, this requires proposing technical solutions to have significant and meaningful change reflected on their sustainability performance instead of just focusing on quick win interventions. Having the right technical background is essential to add value to my clients and help them create long-lasting impact.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are strictly those of the author only and are not necessarily given or endorsed by or on behalf of the Energy Institute.