| People Faces of the sector


Tracking the people driving change in the hydro industry, from new board appointments to career milestones


Kleinschmidt welcomes Senior Scientist Peter Stevens


Kleinschmidt Associates has appointed Peter Stevens as Senior Scientist, bringing more than 20 years of experience in hydropower, water resources, fisheries science and environmental compliance. Stevens has worked across the public and


private sectors, leading multidisciplinary projects for federal agencies, utilities and environmental organisations. His previous clients and project partners have included the US Bureau of Reclamation, US Army Corps of Engineers, PacifiCorp and Chelan PUD. His areas of expertise include fisheries


population modelling, habitat assessment and restoration, fish passage, telemetry and quantitative analysis. He also has experience in regulatory compliance under the US National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act and Clean Water Act. “Peter’s depth of experience in fisheries science, hydropower, and environmental compliance makes him an outstanding addition to our team,” said Jennifer Jones, Technical Director at Kleinschmidt. “His ability to build strong relationships, provide thoughtful leadership, and integrate sound science with practical solutions will further strengthen our work supporting clients as they balance technical operations, environmental stewardship, and regulatory requirements. We’re excited to welcome him to Kleinschmidt.” Stevens said: “Kleinschmidt’s collaborative


culture and commitment to technical excellence made this an exciting opportunity. I look forward to partnering with our clients and colleagues to advance sustainable water resource solutions.” Stevens holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and


Environmental Science from Lawrence University and a Master of Science from Cornell University. He is also a Certified Fisheries Professional and has previously served as President of the Oregon Chapter of the American Fisheries Society.


Klohn Crippen Berger appoints geotechnical engineer in Ghana


Klohn Crippen Berger (KCB) has appointed Vincent Owusu as a Geotechnical Engineer at its Naas office in Ghana.


Owusu brings eight years of consultancy


experience in the tailings and infrastructure sector, with experience working on major


mining projects across West Africa and Zambia. His technical experience includes site investigations and laboratory testing, tailings storage facility (TSF) construction supervision and quality assurance, as well as TSF monitoring, operational support and audits. Owusu has also contributed to


environmental impact assessment baseline studies, socio-economic surveys and stakeholder engagement for large-scale mining developments. In his new role at KCB, he will continue to develop his expertise in tailings management and TSF design while contributing to new and existing projects using a safety-focused and risk-informed approach.


Owusu holds a BSc in Geological Engineering from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana, and is currently working towards an MSc in Geotechnical Engineering at the same institution. He is a registered Professional Engineer with the Ghana Institution of Engineering and a member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. He also holds a Professional Certificate in Tailings Management.


Sarawak Energy names new Group CEO


Sarawak Energy has appointed Dato Ruslan bin Abdul Ghani as Group Chief Executive Officer Designate, effective 1 September 2026, ahead of taking over as Group Chief Executive Officer on 1 November. Ruslan will succeed Datuk Haji Sharbini Suhaili, who will retire at the end of October following the completion of his current contract. He joins the Malaysian energy company


from Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad, where he is currently President and Group Chief Executive Officer. An engineer by training, Ruslan has more than 30 years of leadership experience across the energy and infrastructure sectors. Before joining Bintulu Port Holdings, he spent 32 years with PETRONAS, holding senior leadership positions in Malaysia and internationally, including in Sudan, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates and Turkmenistan. As CEO Designate, Ruslan will work with Sharbini and Sarawak Energy’s Group Executive Committee during a two-month transition period. Sarawak Energy Chairman Datuk Haji Ibrahim Baki said: “Dato Ruslan brings extensive leadership experience, strategic vision and a


proven track record of delivering transformation across complex organisations. His expertise in the energy and infrastructure sectors, combined with his strong commitment to operational excellence and sustainability, will enable Sarawak Energy to continue advancing its long-term strategy while supporting Sarawak’s renewable energy aspirations.” Sharbini’s tenure at Sarawak Energy has included the acquisition of the Bakun Hydroelectric Plant and efforts to strengthen the group’s financial position and regional energy connectivity.


Under his leadership, Bakun received the


International Hydropower Association Blue Planet Prize 2025 and Hydropower Sustainability Standard Silver Certification. Commenting on Sharbini’s departure, Ibrahim said: “Under Datuk Haji Sharbini’s leadership, Sarawak Energy has evolved into one of Southeast Asia’s leading renewable energy utilities through the successful implementation of the Sarawak Energy Excellence Roadmap. He strengthened the Group’s operational and financial resilience, expanded regional energy connectivity and firmly positioned Sarawak as an emerging renewable energy powerhouse.” Ruslan holds a Master of Science in Engineering Business Management from the University of Warwick in the UK.


Phoenix International appoints new president


Phoenix International Holdings has appointed Travis Niederhauser as company President, effective 1 August 2026..


Niederhauser succeeds Patrick Keenan, who has served as President for ten years and will now join the company’s board of directors. Niederhauser has spent 13 years with Phoenix,


progressing from Diver/Tender to General Manager. During that time, he has gained experience across the company’s operations and multiple business lines. Keenan said: “Travis has the technical, managerial and leadership skills to steward Phoenix into a new phase of expansion while maintaining the company’s strong ethos of professionalism and safety. Phoenix will prosper under his guidance.”


Niederhauser holds a BA in Geography, with a concentration in GIS, Cartography and Remote Sensing, from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. He also earned his commercial diving certificate from the Diver’s Institute of Technology..


www.waterpowermagazine.com | September 2026 | 9


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