North Star has appointed Lesley Dunn to the newly created role of head of financial planning and analysis.
Based in Aberdeen, Scotland, she will lead the management of lender and shareholder information requirements for the offshore infrastructure support vessel operator as it targets continued growth in the renewables industry.
Chartered accountant Dunn has spent 25 years in the corporate finance sector, including stints at Simmons & Company (now Piper Sandler) and Vysus Group as well as seven years in charge of her own financial consultancy business.
She will oversee detailed financial modelling, currency and interest rate hedging and cash management, in addition to supporting long term business planning for newbuild capex approvals and mergers and acquisitions.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the team at North Star at a time when it is experiencing considerable growth across the renewable energy sector and looking to expand its hybrid-electric offshore wind vessel fleet and services across Europe,” she said.
“Following a £140m worth of investment last year, including £50m from Scottish National Investment Bank, North Star is in a financially robust position to further progress its new build programme and seize new market opportunities.
“North Star is a company with a rich legacy and a well-respected reputation across UK waters, operating from bases in Aberdeen, Lowestoft and Newcastle. It has been built on a solid foundation of safety, service and quality, delivering exceptional levels of support to its clients in one of the world’s most challenging and demanding industries.
“I’m looking forward to supporting the group as it continues to grow, expanding its reach across the sector, and helping North Star bring its first-class capabilities and innovative solutions to new and returning customers, backed by strong commercial acumen.”
North Star chief strategy officer Fraser Dobbie added: “As we look to the future and begin to plan and invest in new fleet constructions, Lesley brings with her an exceptional track record for delivering results during critical growth periods including expansion, acquisition, investment and internationalisation.
“Lesley’s key skills in creating financial models to support decision making will be invaluable to the team as we plan our future in the energy industry.”
It follows the recent appointment of James Bradford as chief technology officer at North Star. Both roles have been created as the firm progresses towards its fleet decarbonisation target of 2040.