Our people
Here at Octopus, we believe our people make us different. The team in Australia is led by Sam Reynolds, who has been instrumental in leading the investment of more than $3 billion in renewable energy assets in Australia, Europe and the UK.
Sam Reynolds
Managing Director of Octopus Australia
Sam has a love of travel and new experiences, and uses many of these experiences in shaping the vision for Octopus Australia. Sam has had the opportunity to work in London, Edinburgh and just about every state in Australia, including a 12 month stint on the 3.5 million acre Brunette Downs, NT cattle station as jackaroo – and has the broken ribs to show for it! As head of the company, Sam focuses on culture and ensuring the Team adopt a continuous learning philosophy.
After running the Octopus Group’s renewable energy investment team in London, Sam looks forward to Octopus leading the charge in Australia’s green energy transition and getting more and more investors into the hottest sector in the world!
After running the Octopus Group’s renewable energy investment team in London, Sam looks forward to Octopus leading the charge in Australia’s green energy transition and getting more and more investors into the hottest sector in the world!
Dennis Freedman
Head of Investment & Development
When not out camping under the stars or pretending to be a cricket journalist, Dennis heads our renewable energy asset function across project origination, development, construction and asset management.
Dennis has well over a decade of local experience in senior roles within grid development and operations, giving him a deep understanding of how it all works. He is known for his love of telling stories, interviewing the Pakistani Prime Minister at his house and being a thought leader in regards to the Australian energy sector. He can simultaneously explain intricate industry issues in a simple way to you while putting a smile on your face with his relaxed and witty communication style.
Dennis has well over a decade of local experience in senior roles within grid development and operations, giving him a deep understanding of how it all works. He is known for his love of telling stories, interviewing the Pakistani Prime Minister at his house and being a thought leader in regards to the Australian energy sector. He can simultaneously explain intricate industry issues in a simple way to you while putting a smile on your face with his relaxed and witty communication style.
Jonathan Filbey
Investment Director
While at night he’s known for owning any karaoke room he’s in, during the day Jonathan leads our efforts in developing the financial products which allow our investors to participate in Australia’s transition to green energy. Being equally versed in financial modelling, renewable asset operations and late 90s rock radio staples has made Jonathan one of the more engaging speakers at industry events where he has built a reputation for breaking down complex concepts in renewables and responsible investing informatively and humorously.
Sophie Gibbons
Head of Wholesale Distribution
While she is still new to being a mum, she has much more experience in the funds management space, having worked in funds management research and also in key account distribution. She spends the majority of her timing managing both her 6 month old son and also the wholesale distribution team at Octopus Australia. She is very passionate about seeing Australia successfully transition to a clean future and loves being able to bring the renewable investment space to wholesale investors.
Iain McClea
General Counsel
Iain joined the Australian team in 2019, having previously headed-up the legal function for Octopus Renewables in the UK. Iain is a member of the Octopus Australia investment committee and is responsible for guiding the business on legal and commercial matters. He is our resident kiwi and has aspirations to become a pro surfer, which sadly due to age and lifestyle will never be achieved. He still lives in hope!
Sonia Teitel
Investment Director
As Sonia hikes through the Australian bush admiring our green and golden landscape she is reminded why, after 15 years, she continues to love the renewable energy industry in Australia. And now takes great delight in securing strategic renewable energy projects for investment by Octopus customers.
Lumi Adisa
Investment Director – Energy Markets
Being a Mathematician by day and an Afrobeats DJ by night, Lumi enjoys both the creative and critical thinking aspects of life. With over a decade of experience in energy market modelling, design, and advisory, Lumi has been involved in many complex projects with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), large utilities and investors. He regularly volunteers as part of the Mathematicians in Schools program targeted at increasing students’ participation in STEM.
Lumi is responsible for implementing Octopus Australia’s portfolio strategy, which will play an influential role in helping to craft Australia’s energy mix in the future. Lumi is an avid communicator, and he particularly enjoys explaining complex energy market concepts, and dance moves in everyday language.
Lumi is responsible for implementing Octopus Australia’s portfolio strategy, which will play an influential role in helping to craft Australia’s energy mix in the future. Lumi is an avid communicator, and he particularly enjoys explaining complex energy market concepts, and dance moves in everyday language.
Darren Brown
Investment Director
If Darren isn’t shooting hoops or kicking a football with his boys out in the open, you’ll find him being involved in creating deals for renewable energy projects, bringing the same enthusiasm and drive. With over 15 years’ experience across storage and transmission he brings a wealth of knowledge into the Octopus team.
Jessica Gumley
Investment Associate
Jessica loves spending time in the great outdoors, exploring Victoria’s dog friendly beaches and hiking tracks. Since joining Octopus in 2018, Jessica has been primarily working on renewable energy investment opportunities in Australia. Previously, Jessica was an Analyst in Macquarie Capital’s Infrastructure, Utilities and Renewables team, where she gained experience in the renewables, transport and infratech sectors and also worked with Macquarie’s Principal Transactions Group.
Kate McClure
Commercial Asset Manager
Having joined Octopus in 2014 Kate is a long-standing member of the asset management team with over 7-years of experience in renewables. Kate is responsible the day to day running of asset management services, primarily focussing on the commercial and financial aspects, and driving our ESG/Impact strategy within investments.
In her spare time she loves spoiling her new ‘Sheepadoodle’ puppy, and was a big traveller (pre COVID).
In her spare time she loves spoiling her new ‘Sheepadoodle’ puppy, and was a big traveller (pre COVID).
Emily Walker
Project Development Manager
Emily joined Octopus in August 2021 bringing with her thirteen years’ experience in the development and management of renewable energy projects across the UK, Europe, Thailand and Australia. She has a deep understanding of the challenges facing large-scale projects from planning and land-related constraints through to grid connection issues and contract negotiations. Outside of the office, she can usually be found swimming, surfing or walking her dog at or around Sydney’s Eastern Beaches.
Glen Solomon
Investment Analyst
An avid NBA fan, Glen joined Octopus in 2020 and is responsible for supporting institutional fundraising activities as well as investment analysis, evaluation and resident financial modelling and hydrogen expert.
Chris Rasmussen
Investment Analyst
Resident adrenaline junkie and adventurer, Chris joined Octopus in 2020 and works across renewable energy investment opportunities and asset management. He is responsible for investment analysis, valuations, due diligence, and all things ESG and impact.
Nam Quach
Project Development Manager
Nam joined Octopus in 2020 as a Project Development Manager, and currently has his tentacles across multiple renewable projects, leading a development portfolio of solar, wind, BESS and hydrogen opportunities.
Nam’s career spans over 15 years in the energy industry, focused on utility scale power generation projects .…after a failed attempt pursuing Olympic glory in the boxing arena.
Nam’s career spans over 15 years in the energy industry, focused on utility scale power generation projects .…after a failed attempt pursuing Olympic glory in the boxing arena.
Mike Jefferies
Investment Manager
Mike is an avid golfer and loves to hack it around the course most weekends – all the gear and no idea. Having joined Octopus in 2013 Mike is a long-standing key member of the investment team with over 8-years of experience in renewables. Mike has experience across multiple technologies within renewables and has worked on over $1 billion of utility-scale renewable generation equity and debt financings across retail and institutional funds. Mike relocated from the UK to Australia in 2019 to help push the company to become a key participant in the transition of the Australian energy market.
Nick Cahill
Senior Engineer
Nick joined Octopus in 2021, making him one of our newest Octopus members! Outside of work, Nick enjoys all things technical and has hobbies in Home Automation and 3D printing. He brings a wealth of engineering experience from the Power Utilities sector. Nick provides engineering support on all aspects of the renewable project lifecycle including development, design, construction, and O&M..
James Stewart
Business Development Manager
James joined Octopus in 2020, and when he isn’t cleaning up after his 1 year old or renovating his home in Sydney’s leafy north he’s responsible for managing business development in the intermediary channel across NSW, QLD and ACT. He is passionate about all things relating to investment advice and has experience in Exchange Traded Funds, Fixed Income and research.
James Boyle
Investment Manager
James joined Octopus in May 2021 as an investment manager responsible for the acquisition of wind, solar and BESS projects. James has worked on project acquisitions and renewable energy development across New Zealand and Australia over the past 8 years. Outside of the office he is passionate about long distance running.
Tim Johnson
Engineering Manager
Tim joined Octopus in 2019 and when he’s not out falling off his mountain bike, skis or surfboard is responsible for leading the Australian engineering team. Tim’s role is to ensure the performance of Octopus’ development, construction and operational renewable energy assets in Australia, and provide technical input to investment decisions.
Darren Brown
Investment Director
If Darren isn’t shooting hoops or kicking a football with his boys out in the open, you’ll find him being involved in creating deals for renewable energy projects, bringing the same enthusiasm and drive. With over 15 years’ experience across storage and transmission he brings a wealth of knowledge into the Octopus team.
Eric Caesar
General Manager – Assets
Eric, while new to Octopus as GM of Assets has 38 years of experience in Construction, Engineering and Operations, with the most recent 13 years in Renewables. He has a passion for renewables and driving for a cleaner energy future. He passion also spills over to bicycles, he loves to ride in all it forms. Mountain, gravel and road cycling are his tools of choice and always up for ride- don’t be surprised if you find him out riding around the renewable assets, explorer the trails, roads and communities!
Jane Dickinson
Office Manager
Jane has recently joined Octopus Investments as our Office Manager, focussing on the day-to-day running of the office as well as building effective relationships and providing an enjoyable, positive and fun culture whereby the Team is set up for success. She is an energetic, bubbly person who enjoys making the most out of life. In her spare time, she enjoys playing competitive tennis, kayaking, hiking and socialising with family and friends.
Campbell Ross
Senior Portfolio Manager
Campbell likes charging up big hills to work off his dinner, but he’s also responsible for our fund management and operations. Campbell joined Octopus in 2017 and prior to joining the Australia team he worked in various operations and finance roles for Octopus Renewables in London.
Contact our team
Don’t be shy. If you’ve got a question about any of our products or services, please get in touch.
The above information is suitable for Financial Advisers who advise Wholesale Investors only (as defined in the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)). The information on this website is of a general nature and does not constitute the offer of any financial product advice, investment advice or taxation advice. The information on this website does not take into account the particular investment objective, financial situation, taxation position or needs of any person. You should seek your own financial, tax, legal and other advice. By reading the information you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of this website. Octopus Investments Aust Pty Ltd (ABN: 17 626 662 039) operates under Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL): 520121.