Matt Ovenden

Matt Ovenden has an extensive work experience in the energy and sustainability sector. Matt began their career in 2009 as the CEO and Founder of Bright Green Shoots Ltd, a specialist energy and sustainability company. In 2011, they co-founded Free Wind Ltd, a joint venture specialising in turnkey wind turbine projects in the UK. In 2014, they became a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, and also the CEO and Co-Founder of Free Island Energy, a solar and wind power renewable energy developer. In 2016, they became the CEO and Founder of Borrow A Boat Ltd, the UK's award-winning leading boat rental marketplace. In 2018, they took on the role of Vice Chair - Access to Boating Committee at British Marine. In 2019, they became an Export Champion at the Department for International Trade (DIT). In 2021, they became the Group CEO of HELM.yt, and in 2022 they became the Group CEO of Barqo.

Matt Ovenden obtained a BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Southampton between 1998 and 2001. Matt then went on to pursue a part-time MSc in Innovation & Design for Sustainability at Cranfield University from 2009 to 2012. In 2014, they were elected as a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, and they are also a Chartered Engineer.