Metro Manila
After 46 years of employment, I have decided it’s time to take matters into my own hands. I have secured independent directorships and senior advisory roles with prestigious corporates and, through McGregor Energy Group, I will also be offering my network, experience, and skills on a contract basis. So, for platform companies that need to grow but control the burn rate, please consider the merits of engaging my services for specific periods or outcomes. This can also include a two or three year fixed term of employment (effectively full-time but not necessarily a long-term staff liability). My core competencies include deep knowledge of the Asian power sector (since 1997), particular knowledge of the Philippine market (I am a Permanent Resident), business development, investment analysis, project management, risk assessment, and strategic planning. I am known for my ability to coordinate and lead cross-functional teams to achieve measurable success in the clean energy sector.
McGregor Energy Group was established to allow platform energy businesses and funds to tap into an experienced energy professional on a contract basis. I am available for independent directorships, operating partner roles, consultancy roles, or to take on interim roles where you have a short term need for a senior leader. This may involve pipeline growth, PPA negotiations, M&A advisory - and, in conjunction with @Jeremy Ong, a one-stop shop for financial and technical advisory - especially for screening-type due diligence where the CEO needs a quick go/no-go decision.
As Head of the Project Management Office in Singapore, I led a team which created Project Implementation Plans, Project Risk Registers, and Project KPIs. We worked with Microsoft Project, SharePoint, and we tested Procore. This team worked with Corporate Finance to maintain topical financial models and also prepared Board and Executive Committee updates. As Managing Director of the Philippines, my focus was on developing a pipeline of new project opportunities. In a short time, more than 600ha of leased land was secured for new onshore solar and BESS projects. I also oversaw any acquisitions or divestitures, pan-Asia. Backed by over 25 years of leadership experience in Asian investment and energy markets, including key roles at Aboitiz Equity Ventures, AboitizPower, Actis, and various investment banks, I have a wealth of market experience and an extensive network of commercial, technical, and financial contacts throughout the Asian region.
Key activities in Aboitiz • Chairman of the group’s Investment Committee and responsible for all group investments and divestments. Introduced the investment committee process and the concept of risk adjusted returns by sector, product, and country. • Led the business development efforts in AboitizPower and was responsible for the investments in GN Power, and the various bids for participation in Atimonan, working closely with the CEO. • Led all M&A transactions in the Aboitiz Group, including Republic Cement, Gold Coin, Coca-Cola bottling business, and various infrastructure projects prior to the establishment of Aboitiz InfraCapital. Having incubated the early stage deals, Robert became a board director of the infrastructure business. • Actively involved in the strategic analysis of the AboitizPower Renewable Energy business. Studied possible capital raising options, including an IPO, to fund the development of new RE projects, primarily in solar and wind. Again, working closely with the CEO. • Signed SPA to buy 100% stake in 39.4MW Mekong Wind, Vietnam for USD46m - abandoned due to Covid and Aboitiz decision to conserve cash. (However, Robert took the deal to SN Power (now Scatec) and sold his DD work to them to enable the transaction to be closed and for Aboitiz to recover its transaction costs.) • Signed Term Sheet to take 49% stake in Vietnam wind farm developer – USD68m for initial stake in 68MW, rising to 111MW - abandoned due to Covid and Aboitiz decision to conserve cash
Responsible for Power, Utilities and Renewables in Asia.