Steve has had a great journey in his career. He wasn't always a sales and business development professional. Apprenticing in Instrumentation, he worked as a technician in the UK Chemical sector. It was in this job that he came into contact with automation technology and then worked as a systems engineer and project manager. Steve later had the opportunity to work in New Zealand. But the next job came around the corner and took him back to the British Isles. "I ended up in a sales position by chance," Steve grins.

Since 2020, he has been part of Bilfinger. Starting in the Automation, Production and Engineering department, he was responsible for developing the business, establishing a sales strategy, and recruiting sales staff for Bilfinger UK. "It was a very interesting job where I was able to benefit from my many years of experience and knowledge. A year and a half later, I was given the opportunity to join Bilfinger's global development team. It was an exciting time where we had to look at how to engage with customers in the post-Covid era.”

When asked what is important for his work, Steve replies: "You have to listen to your customers and business partners. Listen carefully and repeat back what you have understood. You always have to read between the lines."

Steve often presents Bilfinger's portfolio at major hydrogen trade fairs. He enjoys interacting with the hydrogen community. As an expert for the UK, Middle East and US markets, he is in constant contact with colleagues worldwide. "It's a gift to work with Bilfinger colleagues from different backgrounds and professions. I agree with the words of Mark Twain, who said: ‘Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.’”

"I savour the opportunity to bring ideas to life in my current role. Our customers in the process industry are facing major challenges in the transition to greater efficiency and sustainability, and I'm delighted to be able to support them with my experience," Steve emphasizes, adding: "I'm lucky to work in the hydrogen sector. It's important to generate green energy. Nevertheless, the energy must be safe."

Steve truly has sustainability in his DNA: "I want to leave my grandchildren a clean environment as a legacy. That's why I work every day to help our customers become more efficient and sustainable." In his spare time, Steve is involved in his community and reads with school children or talks about his career in STEM school classes.

To young professionals, he advises: "Take every opportunity to further your education. Ask questions because there are no stupid questions. And age is no guarantee of wisdom".

Status: February 2024