Xlinks announces strategic leadership reshuffle in line with global portfolio focus

From today, the Xlinks leadership team has seen a handful of strategic changes, ready to build out our global portfolio of impactful clean energy projects in 2026 and beyond.

In the context of Sir Dave Lewis’ appointment as CEO of Diageo, he is stepping down from the Xlinks board this month.

We would like to thank him for the huge contribution he has made to the company in his role of Chair. Sir Dave will remain a very close friend of the business.

Paddy Padmanathan, our Vice Chair and Founder of ACWA Power, will step up into the role.

The Xlinks board is experiencing a handful of other changes. Simon Morrish, who founded the company in 2019, will move to Board Director. James Humfrey, CEO of the Morocco – UK Power Project, will become CEO of Xlinks.

Fabienne Serfaty will also step down as Non-Executive Director. We would like to thank her for the crucial role she has played over the years.

This is a strategic reshuffle as we build out our global portfolio of projects. This includes the Morocco – UK Power Project, for which we continue to analyse alternative offtake routes.

Paddy Padmanathan, Xlinks’ new Chair, said:

“It truly has been a pleasure working with Sir Dave over the last few years as his Vice Chair. I would like to wish him all the best, although I have no doubt he will remain a very close friend of the Xlinks team.  

“I’m honoured to take the baton from him and look forward to an exciting 2026 and beyond as Xlinks continues to build out its global portfolio.”