Bob Long

Executive Chairman

Bob Long is a distinguished mechanical engineer who possesses over 45 years of experience in refrigeration and thermal energy management. Bob has established himself as an expert in refrigeration engineering, particularly in the development of innovative solutions in ice technology and industrial heat pumps. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Refrigeration, which is a testament to his expertise and contribution to the industry. Moreover, he is the proprietor of Coolideas Ltd, a specialist refrigeration engineering company.

Bob's academic qualifications include an HND in Marine Engineering from Liverpool John Moore and an MSc from Exeter. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Bob has also made significant contributions to the renewable energy sector. He is the founder Director of Natural Energy Wyre, a tidal energy power generation start-up, and has a profound understanding of the role of renewables in the UK's energy generation mix.

Bob recognises the need for effective integration of renewables with power grids and understands the value that EnergiVault thermal energy storage brings to this process. His deep understanding of the science of thermal energy management, coupled with his extensive experience in refrigeration engineering, has allowed him to develop a unique perspective on the energy storage sector. Bob's vision is to leverage his expertise to help companies transition towards more sustainable energy practices, while also ensuring their energy systems are cost-effective and efficient.

In summary, Bob Long is a seasoned mechanical engineer and entrepreneur with extensive experience in refrigeration engineering and thermal energy management. His deep understanding of the renewables sector and its integration with power grids makes him a valuable asset in the transition towards more sustainable energy practices. Bob's vision, backed by his impressive academic and professional qualifications, positions him as a leader in the energy storage industry.

David Grundy

Finance & Commercial Director

David is a highly experienced finance expert with a career spanning 25 years as a Chartered Accountant at Grant Thornton. His core focus was on corporate mergers and acquisitions, fundraising, and flotations, during which time he also held several senior management roles, including National Head of Transaction Services and North West Managing Partner.

Over the last decade, David has been operating as a portfolio corporate adviser, providing strategic advice and investing in a range of businesses. His expertise in early-stage and scale-up businesses has proven invaluable to many of his clients, with services including strategic planning, fundraising, corporate governance, financial management, and stakeholder management.

In addition to his role at EnergiVault, David has held several other key positions in various industries. These include Non-Executive Director at a listed retail energy company, Chairman of an insurance business, Non-Executive Director, and CFO at a private-equity funded software business, Retained Board Adviser to a legal practice, and Director of a tidal energy start-up.

David's extensive experience in finance, coupled with his strategic insight and ability to identify growth opportunities, have made him a highly respected figure in the industry. His ability to provide expert financial advice and guidance to a range of businesses, from start-ups to established corporations, has helped countless companies achieve their goals and succeed in a highly competitive market.

Geoff Barker

Product & Business Development Director

Geoff is a highly experienced new business specialist, having spent over 25 years developing new heating, cooling, and local generation businesses, including thermal storage, residential heat pumps, boilers, microCHP, and smart heating controls. Over the course of his career, he has worked for several companies, providing invaluable support for new product-based ventures through detailed market analysis, including market trends and drivers, value propositions, and routes to market.

Geoff's knowledge of demand-side energy technologies and their relationship to energy supply markets has allowed him to help many businesses secure funding, including venture capital, institutional investment, and private equity. His experience in market analysis and fundamental market insight is an essential component of a successful business plan.

Geoff's academic qualifications include a BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Liverpool and an MSc in Engineering Management from Bristol University. He is also a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and a Chartered Engineer. His academic and professional achievements, coupled with his extensive experience in the new business sector, have made him a highly respected figure in the industry.

Geoff's ability to identify and capitalize on emerging trends in the energy sector has been instrumental in his success. His focus on developing sustainable energy solutions, coupled with his business acumen, has allowed him to create innovative products and services that have transformed the energy market. Geoff's vision for a more sustainable energy future, backed by his impressive qualifications and experience, positions him as a leader in the industry.

Dr. David Kane

Software Director (part-time)