Our People

Our people are our greatest asset

CeraPhi Energy comprises a small but mighty team of geologists, geophysicists, engineers, and former oil and gas professionals united by a common goal, to combat climate change through innovative geothermal solutions. Our diverse skill sets and in-house capabilities are our greatest strengths.

We firmly believe that groundbreaking innovation stems from both internal ingenuity and collaborative partnerships. We are committed to fostering growth opportunities for our staff and regularly welcome students and interns, actively contributing to the upskilling of the next generation in renewable energy.

Our mission is crystal clear: to harness the heat beneath our feet and transform it into a sustainable, reliable energy source for future generations. With CeraPhi Energy at the forefront, we’re not just developing geothermal projects – we’re actively shaping the future of clean energy. To propel us in our mission, we’ve assembled a distinguished Advisory Board comprising experts from various fields including geothermal energy, oil and gas, drilling, project financing and the Ministry of Defence. We also maintain close collaborations with leading academic institutions and industry partners as we advance our geothermal solutions.

We’re always on the lookout for innovative minds to join our team. Visit our Careers Page. to learn more about joining the CeraPhi team.

Delivery Team

Angela Hogg

Finance & Credit Control

Angela Hogg

Finance & Credit Control

Angela assists with all aspects of financial management and administrative operations, ensuring the smooth functioning of day-to-day business activities. Angela brings 30 years’ experience in accounting and all aspects of admin in various sectors, the last 12 years being employed within the energy sector. Outside of work, Angela enjoys traveling both within the UK and internationally. She is passionate about spending quality time with family and friends, embracing life’s experiences to the fullest.

Barry Read

Geology & Proposals

Barry Read

Geology & Proposals

Barry is CeraPhi’s lead geologist and proposals manager. Analysing the subsurface geothermal potential and the client’s heating demands, Barry is involved in all aspects of providing the technical answer to a geothermal solution. He acquired his Geology degree at Aberystwyth before he began working in oil and gas. A keen traveller with over 30 countries visited, Barry became an Australian dual national during his 14 years there, including a seven-year stint as mining geologist in remote central Western Australia. Outside of rocks, Barry enjoys watching too many sports, building too much Lego and walking too many hills.

Colin Denny

Finance

Colin Denny

Finance

After a 39-year career as a professional lending banker, Colin chose to retire following the graduation of both his children from university. In his later years at HSBC, he focused on team leadership and credit, but his true passion has always been in hands-on roles. Colin has since come out of retirement to support CeraPhi with their financing needs. Outside of work, he is an avid golfer and enjoys traveling.

Holly Harvey-Perdicou

Marketing & Media

Holly Harvey-Perdicou

Marketing & Media

Holly coordinates CeraPhi’s marketing efforts, bringing over 20 years of experience in the energy sector, including expertise in corporate communications and event management. She holds a BA Hons in Decorative Arts from Nottingham Trent University. From 2014 to 2021, Holly lived in Malaysia and Singapore, where she expanded her creative talents in interior design and nutritional therapy. A mum of two, she balances her professional life with her love for travel, tending to her veg patch and cold-water swimming

Ilse Bermudez

ESG & Project Management

Ilse Bermudez

ESG & Project Management

Ilse brings 15 years of experience in Technical Project Management and as a Senior Mechanical Engineer, complemented by a rich background in International Business Development across five continents in the energy sector. Her expertise spans local content integration, corporate and social responsibility, contract negotiation, and strategic planning for socially complex projects. Driven by a passion for making a positive impact, Ilse thrives on navigating the challenges of diverse environments and fostering meaningful connections. Her unique blend of technical skills and global perspective allows her to tackle projects that not only meet business goals but also contribute to the communities they serve.

Jimmy Farrow

HSEQ

Jimmy Farrow

HSEQ

Jimmy is CeraPhi Energy’s HSEQ Advisor, with 13 years of experience in the oil and gas drilling industry. He started at entry level and gained international experience on jack-ups and semi-submersible rigs, advancing to roles such as crane operator and drilling deck supervisor.” Jimmy transitioned into his HSEQ role during 2024 and splits his time between this and the well maintenance team. He is a big fan of football, an avid sports memorabilia collector and loves DIY, fixing things, spending time with his wife and young family, going on family days out.

Ken Seymour PhD

Drilling & Well Operations

Ken Seymour PhD

Drilling & Well Operations

Ken advises on Well Engineering and Drilling Operations Management. He holds a first-class BSc honours degree & a PhD in Rock Mechanics. He has worked with IOCs and independent E&P companies for over 40 years as Drilling Engineer, Drilling Superintendent, Drilling Manager, General Manager, Director and Adviser in the North Sea, China, Pakistan, Angola, Nigeria and Indonesia. He obtained an MBA in 1994 from the Aberdeen Universities, has authored over thirty presentations on well engineering and upstream management. He is currently focused on the role of geothermal energy in the energy transition.

Michelle Nicholls

Project Support

Michelle Nicholls

Project Support

Michelle provides the CeraPhi Group with project support, drawing on more than 20 years of experience in the energy sector, with a strong background in administration and project coordination. She is currently pursuing a BA Hons in Business Management through the Open University. As a single parent to an ambitious daughter, much of her free time is dedicated to driving to/from dance classes, rehearsals and creating costumes. When she finds a rare moment for herself, she enjoys travelling, reading a good book, and spending quality time with her family.

Ralph Hardwick

Business Assurance

Ralph Hardwick

Business Assurance

Ralph oversees the Business Assurance aspects of the business including ISO and legal compliance and assists with certain aspects of Business Development. As a qualified Marine Engineer, with over 30 years’ experience in HSEQ management and regulatory enforcement in the oil & gas industry he brings a wealth of knowledge to our team. Ralph has 3 daughters and 7 Grandchildren and in his spare time, he enjoys overland travel, motorcycling, photography and playing guitar badly.

Zach Chilvers

Process Engineering

Zach Chilvers

Process Engineering

Zach holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and is a professionally registered member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers. With eight years of experience in Process Engineering, he has successfully led numerous process improvement projects and optimized manufacturing processes. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Zach is a dedicated dad of two who loves spending time outdoors, especially when it involves barbecuing for family and friends. His passion for engineering is matched only by his enthusiasm for creating memorable moments around the grill.

Leadership Team

Karl Farrow

Chief Executive Officer

Karl Farrow

Chief Executive Officer

Karl is the CEO of CeraPhi and sets direction of the company. He is a keen guitarist and music enthusiast. An entrepreneur with > 40 years in the international energy sector leading project development, execution and technology development. He is a staunch environmentalist and sustainability advocate.

Gary Williams

Chief Operating Officer

Gary Williams

Chief Operating Officer

With over 30 years of experience in the energy sector, Gary is a seasoned professional specialising in business operations and strategy. As an entrepreneur with a track record at FT UK Top 100 companies, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Gary has a strong operational and management background, having worked on both private and public sector energy projects across the globe. His extensive international experience enables him to navigate complex challenges and drive impactful solutions in the ever-evolving energy landscape.

Russell Hoare

Projects

Russell Hoare

Projects

Russell oversees our North Yorkshire projects having previously been Managing Director of Third Energy before its acquisition by CeraPhi in 2023. He also assists with Business Development across the group.

Advisory board

Richard Nugee

Chair - Leadership & Strategy

Richard Nugee

Chair - Leadership & Strategy

Lieutenant General Richard Nugee is a retired senior British Army officer with an impressive track record in various high-ranking roles, including Defence Services Secretary and Chief of Defence People. He concluded his military career by leading a review of climate change policy for the Ministry of Defence from March 2020 to May 2021. Richard now brings his expertise to our team, focusing on Global Execution Strategy and Climate Policy. His wealth of experience in leadership and strategic planning makes him a valuable asset as we navigate the challenges of the energy sector.

Catherine Rattray

Legal Advisor

Catherine Rattray

Legal Advisor

Catherine is the Founder and Director of Spectrum Solicitors. She specialises in aviation issues and finance in the renewable sector and has studied financial modelling and carbon offsetting. She is often requested to study proposed legislation and ministerial statements. Catherine believes that smart grids and virtual power stations will be very much part of our future going forward and she is committed to being part of that revolution. Catherine breeds sport horses and own two stallions and is also a very big fan of cars, lorries and trains.

Celia Anderson

Energy & Skills

Celia Anderson

Energy & Skills

Celia is a former government liaison on skills with the oil & gas industry, to founder of Skills for Energy, former East of England Energy Group Executive Director, Director of a STEM Hub in the East of England, and currently Offshore Wind Sector Deal People and Skills Director with Renewable UK, Celia continues to dedicate her lifetime of experience to skill and training.

Chris Sladen

Energy Transition

Chris Sladen

Energy Transition

Chris is part of our Advisory Board. He is UK Ambassador for World Geothermal Energy Day and Chair of Founding Members at the Geothermal Energy Advancement Association. Chris specialises in explaining risk to governments, investors, and media. Chris has participated in the search for energy in over 40 countries. After 38 years at BP, he established Reconnoitre Ltd., a successful energy advisory. Chris has a geoscience doctorate from Reading University. He is non-resident fellow at the Institute of Americas and publishes extensively on energy. The UK government recognised his contributions to energy and education with both an MBE, then CBE.

Nezar Afshar

Middle East & North Africa

Nezar Afshar

Middle East & North Africa

Nezar has more then40 years’ experience in the energy sector, experience drilling and oil field tools expert former Baker Hughes Operation Manager Middle East and responsible for Business Development throughout the MENA region. Nezar is a keen advocate for clean energy transition and joins the company located in Abu Dubai overseeing opportunities within the Middle East and North African Region

Farley Vilaca

Latin America

Farley Vilaca

Latin America

Based in Rio de Janeiro, Farley brings over 30 years as a senior energy sector expert with an MBA in Enterprise Management, Master’s Degree in Systems of Innovation and Open Innovation Management. An expert in market intelligence, business development, international partnership, negotiation, crisis management and leadership for problem solving and technology qualification, strategic disruptive technologies for cost reduction and increase performance to the energy sector.

Horatio Carvalho

Funding

Horatio Carvalho

Funding

CEO of CCV. 50 years of experience in energy and infrastructure financing globally. Founder of Carbon Capital Markets. Raised 3 carbon funds: Carbon Asset Fund (CAF) €35m & China Methane Recovery Fund €300m and REAF. Led the first large scale wind project in Brazil (220 MW) with CER’s as well as biomass, rice husks, landfill methane recovery all generating CERs. Up to present Horacio has raised more than US$15 billion in projects and concessions in the Renewables sector.

Marc Jones

Finance

Marc Jones

Finance

With 30 years of corporate finance experience in Europe and Asia, Marc brings a valuable perspective on financing to the business along with connectivity to the financial sector. He lives with his family in Washington D.C. During his trips to the U.K. he enjoys planting trees on the family farm in Wales.

Musa Taramov

Governance

Musa Taramov

Governance

With 20 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, including work on high-profile projects at Schlumberger, Musa Taramov has shifted his focus to green energy solutions, such as geothermal and advanced battery technology. He holds an MSc in Petroleum Engineering from Heriot-Watt University and a Diploma in Exploration Geophysics. As a co-founder of Nubacell and a shareholder in Ceraphi Energy, Musa is committed to advancing sustainable energy. He also serves as an advisor to Ceraphi Energy on well workover projects and well stimulation, leveraging his extensive industry experience to drive innovative solutions.

Sital Joshi

Venture NED

Sital Joshi

Venture NED

20 years of experience working in Infrastructure and Renewable Energy project finance ranging from £5m to £6bn in transaction size in a variety of sectors including Rail, Education, Central Government as well as Energy Infrastructure. Education: B.Sc. (Hons) from Heriot-Watt University, Dip Acc. A.F. and MBIFM.

Would you like to join our team?

If you’re interested in careers within CeraPhi and would like to view our current vacancies, use the link below.

Apply here

Our People

Our people are our greatest asset

Delivery Team

Angela Hogg

Barry Read

Colin Denny

Holly Harvey-Perdicou

Ilse Bermudez

Jimmy Farrow

Ken Seymour PhD

Michelle Nicholls

Ralph Hardwick

Zach Chilvers

Leadership Team

Karl Farrow

Gary Williams

Russell Hoare

Advisory board

Richard Nugee

Catherine Rattray

Celia Anderson

Chris Sladen

Nezar Afshar

Farley Vilaca

Horatio Carvalho

Marc Jones

Musa Taramov

Sital Joshi

Would you like to join our team?

Gt. Yarmouth

London

Houston