We are delighted to present a Q&A session with David Hunt, Founder and CEO of Hyperion Executive Search, a leading figure in the cleantech sector with a particular focus on talent and growth. Recognized by the Financial Times as a top green entrepreneur, David has been a prominent voice at major industry events, including EcoSummit, the London EV Show, Energy Storage Europe, and Fully Charged Live. He is also the host of the globally top-ranked 'Leaders in Cleantech' Podcast and serves as a mentor for several cleantech accelerators. In this insightful session, David shares his expertise on emerging trends in the electric vehicle industry, the crucial role of leadership in driving innovation, the importance of sustainable business practices, and the value of industry events like the London EV Show.

#LEVS: Given your extensive experience in the cleantech and e-mobility sectors, what key trends do you see shaping the future of the electric vehicle industry in the next five years?

#David Hunt: I think we are only at the beginning of the fleet electrification evolution, and I expect to see much more here in terms of vehicles, charging infrastructure and fleet financing. In particular I expect to see the heavier duty vehicles electrify and that this will happen faster than many expected. Also non-road vehicles, boats, ferries, and small aircraft will be interesting to see how they progress.

#LEVS: How do you perceive the role of executive leadership in driving innovation and growth within the EV sector, and what qualities do you believe are essential for leaders in this space?

#David Hunt: Leaders need to be bold in any new area, and I still include electrification of transport in that. Risks are higher, so a combination of bravery with risk analysis is key for senior leaders. It is also important to see Leaders listening and communicating at a high level, with high emotional intelligence with all stakeholders, especially with employees. These are tough times and strong leadership is required. Vulnerability, authenticity, openness and empathy are strong leadership skills, trying to be the ‘know all’ leader is not.

#LEVS: With the increasing importance of sustainable business practices, how can companies in the EV industry build a culture that emphasises sustainability and social responsibility from the top down?

#David Hunt: All good cultures come from a clear desire to be sustainable, ethical (and of course profitable). A company that doesn’t believe in, or build sustainability into its practices or business model is going to have a very tough time of it. It also means it is vital to hire only those who share your values and vision, don’t hire, or fire anyone that doesn’t, no matter how ‘good’ they are at their specific job.

#LEVS: In your experience hosting the 'Leaders in Cleantech' podcast, what common themes or insights have emerged from your interviews with thought leaders in the EV space, and how can these insights inform the broader industry's development?

#David Hunt: Having interviewed over 140 cleantech entrepreneurs for the podcast, a significant number in the emobility space, it’s fair to say backgrounds and personalities vary, but a strong belief in the transition is essential, you be in it just for the money, you’ll be found out, or you’ll give up, or both. A genuine passion for the solutions that enable a cleaner more efficient mobility is the key theme. Because of that genuine passion they are great motivators, story-tellers and inspire others in the industry to do more, and be better.

#LEVS: How do events like the London EV Show contribute to the growth and development of the electric vehicle industry, and what value do they provide for companies and professionals within this sector?

#David Hunt: The London EV Show plays an important role in bringing together industry players to network, to showcase their products and services and to learn from each other. Even in competition, collaboration and mutual support come to the fore at these events, it’s not just a showcase, but a source of energy and encouragement to those in the sector.