Professional Overview
David Blake is the Director & Co-Founder of Climate17, a purpose-driven, international recruitment consultancy specializing in the renewable energy and sustainability sectors. He has been a seasoned recruitment leader with a specialized focus on clean energy and sustainability markets since 2007. David co-founded Climate17 in 2018 alongside Tom Wolsey, launching the firm initially from his converted garage and growing it into a recognized leader in renewable energy recruitment.
Role and Responsibilities
David Blake oversees and mentors Climate17’s sales and operational teams, ensuring high performance and continuous development. He is responsible for driving and implementing training programs, setting performance goals, and regularly monitoring progress to maintain a motivated and engaged workforce. Additionally, he fosters a positive and inclusive company culture aligned with Climate17’s core values, promoting overall employee satisfaction.
Key accountabilities include:
- Strategic planning and business development, playing a pivotal role in shaping company vision and fostering innovation.
- Leading talent acquisition with a focus on finding candidates who align not only with technical skills but also with client business culture and values.
- Representing Climate17 at industry conferences, networking events, and client meetings, particularly in renewable energy markets, including the US sector.
Industry Focus and Expertise
David has deep sector-specific knowledge across renewable energy and sustainability, with a strong emphasis on ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) markets. His expertise extends beyond traditional recruitment to include advising clients on market conditions, compensation benchmarks, and talent availability within clean energy domains. He has demonstrated thought leadership on topics such as:
- The increasing demand for ESG and sustainability skills.
- Challenges recruiters face in identifying qualified sustainability professionals.
- The impact of market trends on recruitment and talent strategies within renewable energy.
Company and Market Position
Climate17 is established as a B Corporation, reflecting its social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. The firm's recruitment model is highly regarded for its consultative approach, focusing on client business needs and culture fit beyond candidate CVs, contributing directly to client growth and success.
Client testimonials highlight Climate17's:
- Ability to understand complex client requirements.
- Effectiveness in sourcing candidates with transferable skills in niche markets.
- Contribution to client business scaling through strategic talent acquisition.
Climate17 has expanded to include offices and operations in the US, with David actively involved in overseeing recruitment initiatives across domestic and international markets.
Professional Network and Presence
- LinkedIn profile: [David Blake | Climate17](https://uk.linkedin.com/in/davidblakerenewables)
- Follower base on LinkedIn exceeds 16,000, reflecting significant industry influence.
- Regular contributor to Climate17 blogs and company news, providing insights on sustainability recruitment trends and market outlooks.
- Active participant in industry events such as RE+ in Las Vegas and Sustainability Live, leveraging these platforms for client engagement and business development.
Additional Professional Engagements
- Owner and Non-Executive Director of The Black Cherry Theatre Café, a community interest company supporting local arts and culture in Boscombe, Bournemouth.
- Volunteer sales trainer for Renewable World, contributing sales techniques and training supporting poverty alleviation.
Contact Information
- Email: david@climate17.com
- Phone: +44 (0)7772 552751
- Location: Greater Bournemouth Area, United Kingdom
This profile positions David Blake as a strategic leader in renewable energy recruitment with extensive operational and market expertise, dedicated to fostering growth within Climate17 and advancing sustainability through talent acquisition aligned with evolving global energy trends.
