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 $2.1 billion in renewable energy assets in Europe and the UK.
Sam Reynolds
Managing Director
Sam joined Octopus in 2012 and headed up Octopus Renewables before moving to the Australia team. Before Octopus, Sam worked at Elders Group and ANZ Banking Group. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of New England.
Dennis Freedman
Head of Investment & Development
Dennis joined Octopus in August 2020 as Head of Investments and Development. Prior to Octopus, Dennis’ most recent role was as Head of Infrastructure Development at AusNet Services. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Monash University and has over a decade’s worth of experience in electricity transmission.
Jonathan Filbey
Investment Director
Since joining Octopus in 2013, Jonathan has worked on $1.4 billion of utility-scale solar debt and equity financings. Previously, Jonathan worked with Deloitte Corporate Finance Advisory. He holds an MBA from Oxford University.
Sophie Gibbons
Key Account Manager
Sophie joined Octopus Investments Australia in January 2020, as a Key Account Manager. Sophie is responsible for key account relationships, in conjunction to contributing to the marketing and product development effort at Octopus. Prior to joining Octopus, Sophie worked in distribution at K2 Asset Management, and Challenger (across Fidante Partners and Challenger).
Iain McClea
General Counsel
Iain joined Octopus Investments Australia in 2019, having been Head of Legal for Octopus Renewables in the UK. Before joining Octopus in 2016, Iain worked at Lightsource BP and he holds a double degree from the University of Otago.
Tim Johnson
Technical Asset Manager
Before joining Octopus in 2019, Tim spent two years managing the design, construction and commissioning of several large scale solar farms in Australia. He holds a Bachelor in Aerospace Engineering from Monash University.
Kate McClure
Commercial Asset Manager
Kate joined Octopus in 2014 and is responsible for asset managing renewable energy projects. Before joining Octopus, Kate spent six years at PwC. She has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Macquarie University and is a qualified accountant with CA ANZ.
Mike Jefferies
Senior Investment Associate
Since joining Octopus in 2013, Mike has worked on over $1 billion of utility-scale solar/wind debt and equity financings across retail and institutional funds. He holds a degree in Industrial Economics from the University of Nottingham.
Jessica Gumley
Investment Associate
Jessica joined Octopus in 2018. Previously, she was an analyst in Macquarie Capital’s Infrastructure, Utilities and Renewables team. Jessica holds a Master of Energy Systems degree from the University of Melbourne.
Glen Solomon
Investment Analyst
Glen joined Octopus Group in July 2020 and is primarily involved with institutional fundraising and renewable energy investment. Prior to joining Octopus Group, Glen was a member of KPMG’s Infrastructure & Projects Group, where he gained experience in renewables (particularly emerging technologies such as battery storage and hydrogen), as well as social and transport infrastructure investments.Â
Glen has an LLB / Bcom from Monash University.
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Glen has an LLB / Bcom from Monash University.
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Chris Rasmussen
Investment Analyst
Chris joined Octopus Group in September 2020 and primarily works across renewable energy investment opportunities and asset management. Prior to joining Octopus, Chris worked as an independent consultant providing financial analysis and strategic advice to NFPs, SMEs and impact fund managers. Chris also worked at Perpetual, gaining experience in compliance, consulting, and corporate finance related services. Chris holds an LLB / Bcom from Deakin University.
Nam Quach
Project Development Manager
Nam joined Octopus in 2020, as a Project Development Manager and is currently leading the development of multiple renewable projects within the OIA pipeline. Nam has over 15 years experience in the energy industry, focused on the development and construction of utility scale power generation projects. At Octopus, he is responsible for taking projects through the greenfield development phase and de-risking them through to being shovel-ready for construction and Financial Close.
Nick Cahill
Senior Engineer
Nick joined Octopus in 2021, being one of our newest Octopus members! 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
Sales Manager
James joined Octopus in 2020 and is 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.
Devin O'keefe
Sales Manager
Devin joined Octopus with many years of experience within the financial services sector, namely in private equity and as a Private Wealth Adviser. He is responsible for managing business development in the intermediary channel across VIC, TAS, SA & WA.
Sonia Teitel
Investment Director
Investment Director
Sonia joined Octopus Group in October 2020 as Investment Director spear heading wind and solar investments.
Sonia is a renewable energy specialist (utility scale) with over 12 years experience in the industry bolstered by an investment banking background. She has gained experience through working at leading renewable energy organisations in all aspects of a projects’ lifecycle from greenfield development, commercial structuring, equity and debt financing through to construction and asset operations.
Sonia’s primary expertise is in business development including origination, managing complex bids, contract negotiation and commercial/financial structuring.
Sonia joined Octopus Group in October 2020 as Investment Director spear heading wind and solar investments.
Sonia is a renewable energy specialist (utility scale) with over 12 years experience in the industry bolstered by an investment banking background. She has gained experience through working at leading renewable energy organisations in all aspects of a projects’ lifecycle from greenfield development, commercial structuring, equity and debt financing through to construction and asset operations.
Sonia’s primary expertise is in business development including origination, managing complex bids, contract negotiation and commercial/financial structuring.
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.