Employee Profiles

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Krista
“In the wind business, Shell is one of a handful of large corporations with a commitment to developing, owning and operating renewable energy generation. It’s exciting to be a leader in making renewable energy resources a mainstream endeavour.”

 

Business Development Manager, Shell WindEnergy

  • Location: US
  • Joined Shell: June 2002

 

What is your current role at Shell?

I am a Business Development Manager with a focus on the development and acquisition of wind energy projects in the US. Shell Wind is a startup business, and I was the second person to join the team based here in California.
 
We have a very entrepreneurial culture. On a given day, I may be involved in drafting consulting and vendor contracts, planning for a trade show or meeting with partners to analyse wind energy projects. In this environment, we work on anything that comes through the door. You have to be very resourceful and able to work without the guidance of a structured job description.
 
My end goal is a fully operational wind farm. To accomplish this we undertake preliminary assessment of a wind regime, land, the impact a project would have on the local transmission system and grid, the regulatory environment, and power market potential. We then compare these to our investment objectives. We also often form partnerships with local developers, negotiate with wind turbine manufacturers and power offtakers, interface internally with the internal trading, structuring and legal departments, and work with an independent engineer to ensure that a project is technically feasible.
 
Although we are a start-up business, Shell has worked hard to maintain a high profile for the group. That kind of support helps us achieve a lot, despite being a little company within a very large organisation.

 

What do you like best about your role?

In the wind business, Shell is one of a handful of large corporations with a commitment to developing, owning and operating renewable energy generation. It’s exciting to be a leader in making renewable energy resources a mainstream endeavor. It’s a business that holds a lot of growth, environmental benefit and vision.

 

Tell us about your background and experience

In 1998, I graduated with an MBA from Boston University. Prior to business school, I worked in the field of International Development for financial, economic, and international trade organisations. These opportunities gave me firsthand exposure to social and business development issues in emerging markets.

 

Before joining Shell, my experience in the energy industry was with a global energy company headquartered in Houston. Here I worked in the wind and energy services business, both for the US and internationally.

 

What makes you stay at Shell?

The ability to make a positive impact in the energy industry – as well as the chance to create a new vision for the world.

 

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