Privilege Finance expands services as CEO appointed

Privilege Finance, the specialist renewable energy funder, has appointed Chris Winward as chief executive officer (CEO). This coincides with the announcement of two new business streams – advisory services and anaerobic digestion (AD) project development.

Mr Winward explains that funding carbon reduction and mitigation projects is still at the core of the business, but with the breadth of knowledge within the team, it makes sense to diversify.

“The team can now advise organisations looking to invest in the renewables sector by helping them in identifying suitable assets or portfolios, assisting them right the way through the process of acquisition and ongoing operations,” says Mr Winward.

“Having funded renewable energy projects for over ten years, we have the expertise to identify risks and how to mitigate them. The new service is taking the extensive experience and skills among the team and offering them as a service,” he adds.

In addition, having already branched into the development of AD plants within its own portfolio in 2021, Privilege Finance is bolstering the service to support the development of AD plants more widely, on an investor’s behalf. Privilege will assist businesses throughout the AD development process, from site identification, right through to the running of the completed plant.

“Investors are increasingly looking to incorporate projects which reduce carbon emissions and reverse climate change into their portfolio. It’s a really exciting prospect to be enabling the team to use their expertise to support further investment in our industry and I’m looking forward to the year ahead,” he adds.

Mr Winward joined Privilege Finance six years ago and previously acted in the role of chief commercial officer. A restructure of the business opened up the opportunity for a CEO to oversee all business activity and with his strong background in financing renewable energy projects, Mr Winward was the obvious choice.

Commenting on Mr Winward’s appointment, Tracy Giles, operations director at Privilege Finance, says, “As a new position for Privilege Finance it was imperative that we found someone who has previous experience in the sector. A proven track record to lead a team, coupled with extensive knowledge of the industry, makes Chris the ideal candidate to take on this role.

“I’m looking forward to what 2022 has in store for Privilege Finance, with Chris heading up the team.”