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.

Harry Manisty

Investment Director

Before joining Octopus in 2014, Harry worked in the Environmental Finance team at Ernst & Young. He has also held various roles within the energy sector at PwC. Harry has a first-class degree from Warwick University.

Andrew Walton

Investment Director

Andrew joined Octopus in 2016, having worked as an M&A investment banker. Andrew has advised across a range of industries including the infrastructure, power and technology sectors, and holds an LLB (Hons) from The University of Melbourne.

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).

Nick Maidment

Regional Sales Director

Nick joined Octopus in 2016 and is responsible for marketing and development for Octopus Investments Australia. Previously, Nick spent nine years at Deutsche Bank and he holds a Bachelor of Economics degree from the University of Reading.

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.

Cameron Taylor

Product Manager

Cameron joined Octopus in 2015, having previously worked at a Melbourne-based financial advisory firm. He holds a Bachelor of Business degree from the Blue Mountains University.

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.
Glen has an LLB / Bcom from Monash University.

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.

David Evans

Construction Manager

David is an Construction/Project Manager in (Civil/ Mechanical/Electrical scopes) with over 33 years’ experience in Infrastructure and Oil and Gas projects as well as mining and Energy resource industry. He has been recognised for successfully accomplishing numerous construction projects, maintaining a high safety culture and utilising a results-oriented approach. He holds a solid record of team leadership, subject matter expertise, and resource management.

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.