Simon Goldthorpe

Global operations lead for the Equinix hyperscale (xScale) datacentre operations. Responsible for spearheading operations planning, development, and delivery of new xScale capacity worldwide, collaborating closely with local IBX field operations teams. My role extends to working alongside the xScale joint venture partners and customers across EMEA, AMER, and APAC regions. Acting as the primary interface between xScale and Global Operations, I foster a highly collaborative environment, actively participating in product development, customer pre-sales negotiations, and discussions on any deviations. Responsible for defining service scope, cost, and contractual obligations of IBX sites to xScale customers, while managing variations of services and scope across different geographies. My overarching objective is to align the needs of our customers with Global Operations service delivery, ensuring maximum financial benefit, minimum operational risk, and globally consistent approach.

I managed a pipeline of over 190MW expansion projects within Germany, I was responsible for setting the strategy and leading the design team in the delivery of projects. I worked alongside our real estate team and country managers in the identification of sites to meet the pipeline, working to develop and present business cases, secure power and conduct due diligence. I led a team of design managers and our framework consultants, working collaboratively with the directors of construction, commercial and commissioning to successfully handover projects to our customers and operations teams. I built a dynamic and successful team in Germany and put in place processes to help standardize our way of working and deliver projects more efficiently.

Responsible for the delivery of design and engineering management for 15+ complex datacenter projects across Germany, Sweden, Norway and UK. I managed the design from site selection through detailed design, into construction and commissioning. Guiding and leading multiple teams of design consultants in multiple regions, working closely with operations as the interface between our main contractors and commissioning agents to deliver world leading datacenters for Equinix.

Providing Project Services to the Transmission & Distribution Sector across 11kV - 132kV. Covering: Power Engineering | Project Management | Owners Engineer/Client Engineer | Technical Advice | Design Review | Asset Management | Substation Construction | Grid Connections | Renewable Generation | EPC | Condition Assessment |

Working for clients including Centrica, Urenco UK Ltd, UK Power Networks and Bouygues Energy Services, delivering MV and HV Substation projects up to £10 million across the country. I was Responsible for all aspects of project management and delivery including tendering, design management, client facing meetings, contract negotiations, leading and managing teams (up to 10 direct reports in addition to subcontractors), project planning, delivery, and handover. I successfully delivered several complex and difficult projects on time and to budget, including delivery of the design for the UK’s largest Battery Energy Storage Facility.

Management of multi-million pound construction projects for clients in the renewables, waste to energy and solar sectors. I was involved with all aspects of stakeholder management, project management and commercial management, working on three extremely challenging projects, I successfully managed multiple project teams and sub contractors to deliver these on time and to budget, meeting client expectations.

Working with the UK power networks (DNOs), industrial and power grid operators, I was responsible for the leadership and direction of the substations team managing a broad portfolio of £1.6 million of technical projects. I managed a team of 12 engineers, working with stakeholders in power network operators around the world delivering condition assessment and asset management projects. My role was pivotal in the co-ordination and delivery of projects, production of proposals, tenders as well as managing the team to ensure co-operation and commitment. I increased project delivery by 160% through strong leadership, trust, good communication and celebration of team achievements.

My role in EA Technology product development team involved design and project management of technical projects for condition assessment of High Voltage Switchgear. I managed several large projects, contributing technical design and development.

National Grid - Construction Department - Power Academy –Working on construction projects up to 400kV within National Grid developing pre-construction health and safety information and year ahead planning.