Management Team

BE Power's management team brings a rich blend of expertise in finance, economics, engineering, and beyond, equipping them for cutting-edge infrastructure development. Their varied skills traverse electrical manufacturing, renewable energy, and critical financial management, ensuring thorough project execution from conception to operation. With strong abilities in stakeholder engagement and risk management, the team excels at addressing the intricate challenges of infrastructure innovation and sustainability.

Erik Scholz

Executive Chairman

In 1991, Erik became General Manager of Clipsal, Australia’s largest electrical accessory manufacturer, which is a major player throughout Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. After the company’s acquisition by Schneider Electric Group in 2003, he became the CEO of Clipsal/Schneider and was appointed to the Schneider Electric Asia Pacific Executive Committee.

In 2010, Erik created a group of companies through both acquisitions and organic development in the broader electrical and energy sector. He is a Director of numerous private companies engaged in energy, horticulture, consumer goods, and investment/consulting. These include the Montague Group, Master Electricians Australia, Ergoflip International, and he is also a Board Advisor to several large private companies.

Erik holds a Bachelor of Business from Monash University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Melbourne.

Scott Walkem

Founder, Managing Director

Scott is the founder of the B.E. Power Group of Companies. He holds a Bachelor of Economics and has practiced as a project and infrastructure finance banker for 16 years, covering utilities, infrastructure, and the mining sectors with ANZ and the Bank of Scotland.

Sasha Mayorov

Chief Operating/Financial Officer

Sasha is a Chartered Accountant with over 15 years of experience. He possesses significant expertise in finance, consulting, and operations within the energy sector. His career began at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he specialized in audit and advisory services with a strong focus on the energy sector. He then spent five years at AGL, working across the commercial finance and corporate ventures teams, supporting large-scale strategic transformation programs and growth functions. Most recently, Sasha served as the CEO of a startup energy retailer during the 2022 energy crisis. His financial expertise and passion for technology have been instrumental in driving organizational efficiencies.

Sasha holds a Batchelor of Business (Accountancy) from RMIT university.

Sam Larkey

Head of Revenue at Risk

Sam is BE Power’s Head of Revenue and Risk, primarily working on the revenue modeling and contracting for the ‘Big-T’ Pumped Hydro Project. He has over twenty years of experience in electricity trading and risk management with companies such as Alinta Energy, BlueNRG, Flowpower, and AGL Energy.

Sam holds a Bachelor of Commerce.

Peter Boettcher

Water Director

Peter is a seasoned senior executive with over thirty years of experience in bulk water infrastructure development and management. Holding senior leadership positions at Sunwater Limited for over two decades, including eight years as CEO, he has more recently offered advisory services to various business and government entities. Peter is recognized for his strategic yet pragmatic thinking, aiding organizations in solving complex issues and delivering clear, sustainable solutions.

Peter holds a Batchelor of Engineering (Agric.) and Masters of Business Administration (Tech. Mgt.)

Dr. Hany Salem

Head of Delivery and Development, Big T Project Director

Dr. Hany has been developing renewable energy projects since 1997 and has over 25 years of combined experience in electricity generation development, spanning hydroelectric, battery, and hydro pump storage technologies.

Hany has played an integral role in bringing over 3,000 MW of generation to financial close, both in Australia and internationally, and brings extensive experience in all aspects of electricity project development, delivery, and construction.

Troy Philpot

Business Development & Stakeholder Manager

Troy brings a decade of experience from Energy Queensland/Ergon Energy and Yurika, focusing on high voltage connections and transitioning alternatives for green energy among commercial and industrial users. His background includes serving as the National Marketing Manager for Bristol/Taubmans coatings and holding senior roles in manufacturing.

Troy holds a Commerce degree and a qualification in Business Administration.

Brendan Walpole

Head of Finance & Investment

Brendan commenced his career as a project finance banker with ANZ and later with the Bank of Scotland/Lloyds Bank. As a financial advisor, he has been involved in renewable energy, natural resources, infrastructure, agriculture, and transport projects, primarily at the development and construction stages, but also for refinancing and providing independent expert services for court proceedings. Before joining BE Power, Brendan was in a similar role at Canadian Solar, leading financings and restructures for large-scale solar farms and storage projects.

Brendan holds degrees in Electrical Engineering, Commerce, and Psychology.

David Naphtali

Strategy Advisor

David began his career as a lawyer at Mallesons Stephen Jaques, advising on infrastructure project financing. He relocated to Hong Kong in 2002, where he established Madison Pacific Trust, a Corporate Trust service provider that expanded to over 40 employees across four global locations before its 2018 sale to Tricor Group. His work led him to co-found Vest Advisory to address complex inheritance issues.

David holds BA and LLB (Hons) from Deakin University and is admitted to practice in both Australia and Hong Kong.

PANEL OF EXPERTS

We have assembled an international panel of experts to be engaged in various technical aspects of the project throughout design and development stage.

Dr. Clemente Curnis

Hydro Electromechanical Expert

Clemente has 40 years of experience in Conventional and Pump Storage Hydro Power Plants, generating power over 2200 MW. He has been involved in more than 100 projects, including 20 Pump Storage Plants from design through to commissioning. Additionally, he is a member of various World Bank Panels of Experts worldwide and is involved as an expert at the Arbitral-ICC in Paris for several disputes and claims under Hydro Power Projects.

Daniele Battaglia

Geology Expert

Daniele is a highly experienced professional with degrees in Geological Sciences and Engineering Geology. With over 30 years of expertise in geology and geotechnics, he specializes in hydropower plants. He has consulted on over 100 such projects globally and is a member of the Dam Safety Panel of Experts for hydroelectric projects financed by the World Bank.

Ken Muir

Tunnelling Expert

Ken has a proven track record of over 37 years in tunnels and associated construction across 12 countries. His most recent position is the Technical Director for Project Co. on the $11.2B North East Link (NEL) project. He brings a wealth of experience, particularly in the drill and blast arena, having commenced his career in the South African mines before completing two hydroelectric projects in Malaysia and Peru.

Ali Hedari

Hydroelectric Expert

Ali brings nearly three decades of experience in dam and hydropower development, mostly in Asia and Africa. His experience encompasses the study and design of a wide range of hydroelectric, water supply, and flood protection projects. As a project manager and expert, he has worked across different disciplines, including hydrology, hydraulics, hydroenergy, and economic & financial assessment.

Dr. Guglielmo Frigo

Power Systems and Grid Stability Expert

Guglielmo, with two decades in power systems, specializes in Power Quality and grid interconnectivity and represents Switzerland on the International Electrotechnical Committee. He has authored over 30 papers and leads European projects on DC grid power quality and instrument transformer characterization.

Dr. Luciano Lorenzini

Reversible Pump Turbines Expert

Luciano has 40 years of experience with one of the world's largest hydro machine manufacturers, RIVA HYDROART-VOITH. He has been involved in more than 130 projects involving single-unit power machines from 50 to 250 MW and reversible pump-turbines up to 250 MW.