“When I started my career at Goldman Sachs in New York in 2007, renewable energy was still an emerging asset class, heavily dependent on policy support,” says Pamela Papapetrou, Investments Director responsible for transactions, commercial negotiations and driving projects to financial close at Red Rocket.
“Watching the industry transform first-hand has given me a unique perspective on how far it has come and the opportunities that lie ahead.” Last year Papapetrou helped to close deals that will provide 700 megawatts of clean power in Africa.
While the industry has become far more inclusive, “there’s still progress to be made. What gives me confidence is the growing number of talented women entering fields once overwhelmingly male-dominated. My hope is that the next generation spends less time proving they belong and more time simply leading.”
She believes that diversity is a strategic advantage, with different perspectives leading to “better decisions, stronger innovation and more resilient outcomes.” Although research continues to demonstrate the link between gender diversity and stronger financial performance, “women make up only around a third of the global renewable energy workforce, with significantly lower representation in senior leadership.”
