Get to know us:
Spirit has extensive offshore energy industry knowledge with the vision and capability to provide strong strategy development and deliver business growth. Passionate about assisting and enabling the energy transition through the growth of capacity, capability and skills in the renewables supply chains.
🔹 Chris Jones, Director at Spirit AEG 🔹
With 15 years of hands-on experience working across the offshore energy and subsea industries, Chris brings an exceptional mix of strategic thinking, business development expertise, and technical knowledge to the table at Spirit Advisory.
A Board-Level Executive and experienced Business Development professional, Chris has a proven track record of driving business growth by bringing new products to market and expanding into new territories and regions. His entrepreneurial spirit and ability to develop and execute impactful strategies has enabled him to navigate complex routes to market, while breaking down barriers to entry.
With a strong engineering and manufacturing background across multiple industries, Chris is passionate about solving problems, innovating, and enhancing capabilities to support business growth.
Having worked with leading offshore equipment providers in the industry, Chris brings a deep expertise in offshore wind, cable lay, burial, and repair operations to Spirit Advisory. His extensive industry connections with developers, subsea contractors, and EPCI teams further enhance his impact and vision for the future of the subsea markets and offshore energy transition.
At Spirit Advisory, Chris is dedicated to driving and growing the capabilities within the energy transition supply chain, supporting the development of new technologies, and helping to enable the future of offshore infrastructure.
🔹 Dustin Varnell, Director at Spirit AEG 🔹
With 20 years of hands-on experience in offshore energy and vessel operations, Dustin brings an exceptional mix of creative vision, passion, business development expertise, and technical knowledge to the table at Spirit Advisory.
As an experienced ship officer with deep expertise in vessel operations and offshore energy, Dustin has led numerous successful projects in shipyards and construction projects around the globe. His work has significantly contributed to the advancement of technology in the energy transition and marine safety. This experience and his passion for the industry make him a valuable asset at Spirit Advisory.
Dustin is deeply committed to sharing his experiences and expertise with others, particularly in ocean industries. His career in the blue economy has not only provided him with a fulfilling career and excellent life experience, but also a strong belief in the importance of giving back to the community that has supported him. Dustin's commitment to fostering the next generation of professionals, particularly in offshore careers, where opportunities are vast and rewarding, is truly inspiring. He is eager to work closely with young people and educational institutions to guide and inspire future talent. Through his dedication, Dustin aims to share his passion for the ocean and the many possibilities it holds for those willing to explore it, instilling hope and inspiration for the future of the offshore energy sector.
Having worked with leading firms in offshore construction and marine operations, Dustin brings not only deep expertise around vessels and ports to Spirit Advisory, but also a wealth of industry connections. His extensive network with developers, vessel owners, and EPCI teams further bolsters his impact and vision for the future of Marine Technology and Offshore Energy. This network, built on trust and collaboration, instils confidence in Dustin's ability to drive change and innovation in the offshore energy sector.
At Spirit Advisory, Dustin is not just a Director, but a dedicated leader with a clear vision for the future of the offshore energy sector. He is committed to driving engagement within the offshore wind supply chain, supporting the development of new technologies, and enabling the future of offshore infrastructure. His dedication and vision for the future of offshore energy is sure to excite and inspire all those involved in the sector.
🔹 Jimmy Aird, Business Analyst, Spirit AEG 🔹
Jimmy Aird is a Business Analyst at Spirit Advisory, bringing a passion for data-driven decision-making and sustainability. With a BSc in Environmental Geography from the University of York, he has developed strong expertise in GIS mapping, market analysis, and financial assessment—all essential in supporting the transition to a more sustainable energy future.
Before joining Spirit Advisory, Jimmy worked as a Market Analyst at Heavy Lift Projects, focusing on floating offshore wind technologies. His role involved analysing global offshore wind projects, compiling market intelligence, and developing interactive GIS-based insights. He also represented the company at Floating Offshore Aberdeen 2024 and Offshore Wind Glasgow 2025, where he gained further insight into the latest advancements in the sector.
Jimmy is a member of the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA), reinforcing his commitment to sustainability and environmental best practices. He is particularly interested in how data and financial modelling can be used to drive strategic decision-making in renewables and infrastructure, helping clients navigate the evolving energy landscape.
🔹 Hannah Newnham, Part Time Business Adviser, Spirit AEG 🔹
Passionate about marine conservation and sustainable energy, Hannah is currently in her final year as a Marine Biology student at Newcastle University. Her academic focus has been complemented by hands-on experience in both the environmental and renewable energy sectors:
Marine Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) Intern: Hannah had the opportunity to contribute to a critical project monitoring invasive species and understanding their pathways, particularly in relation to renewable energy infrastructures. This experience enhanced her knowledge of marine ecosystems and the intersection of conservation with renewable energy development.
Environmental Management and Consents team - work placement at RWE Renewables. Hannah was primarily responsible for preparing a Site Integrity Plan for the Southern North Sea Special Area of Conservation to mitigate noise impacts on the Harbour Porpoise population. This involved analysing data from multiple offshore projects, and exploring various noise mitigation strategies. Through this work, Hannah developed a strong understanding of the complexities of environmental consenting and the importance of effective communication across projects.
In addition to her studies, Hannah now applies her research and analytical skills to support Spirit AEG in its endeavours to accelerate the renewable energy transition. She hopes to make a meaningful impact in the industry by combining her passion for environmental sustainability, her strong foundation in marine biology and her keen interest in renewable energy. Hannah is eager to continue developing her knowledge and expertise and contribute to Spirit Advisory’s innovative solutions for a more sustainable future.
🔹 Emily Ballantyne, Part Time PA / Marketing Support 🔹
Emily has a background as a versatile Corporate Communications Expert with extensive experience in PR, content creation, and brand development. Skilled in driving PR activities across local, regional, and national levels, Emily creates impactful content aligned with commercial objectives, including ESG initiatives, and collaborates with design and digital teams to deliver consistent messaging.
Emily has extensive experience in client liaison, account management, and overseeing creative projects from concept to finished production. In addition to her corporate role, Emily has previously worked as a PA, managing social media content, designing visuals and analysing data across platforms. Her freelance experience also includes market research, copywriting, diary and event management, as well as telesales and telemarketing activities.
Previously, Emily has worked as a Researcher where she managed both qualitative and quantitative research projects, and delivered comprehensive reports based on market research data, with findings and recommendations.
