Top 30 People: 13. Ian Mays Group CEO, RES Group

RES has been in renewables for over 30 years and wind for more than 20, building its first wind farm in 1992.

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Developer/utility

Despite its independent status, RES now operates 1.2GW of wind power globally. A mechanical engineer by training, Mays has been with the company since its formation and has steered the group through the decades with a risk-reducing strategy of a wide diversity of renewable energy projects in a wide variety of markets. RES has its fingers in pies that range from long-range transmission lines in the US to offshore developments in French waters. Mays' contribution to wind power includes a spell as president of EWEA, and was recognised in 2010 when he was awarded the Poul la Cour prize for outstanding achievement in the the field of wind energy. He remains one of the industry's most eloquent and committed champions.