Yiseth Trujillo

I had the extreme pleasure and honour to collaborate with James recently who contributed heavily in to my recent career positive move. Beyond the high level quality job and professionalism that James showed during his mission to follow up and discuss potential career opportunities with me, I truly appreciated and still appreciate the quality of the gentleman tha has never stopped calling, sending emails, whatsapps, …etc. to enquire about my wellbeing during the tough early days of the Covid-19 and the restrictions imposed at that time! James truly cares about your needs and aspirations for a better career development which helps him offer you a set of ideal and unique choices of professional opportunities. He is the best first choice to collaborate with and I strongly recommend his services for individuals and corporates.

Marubeni

Mehdi Boukezzata - Executive Director – Business Development

James and I have worked closely together to close out an exciting opportunity in the UAE. I found James to be thoroughly professional, sincere, pragmatic and completely upfront in his discussions. For a refreshing change - James is conscientious from both the client and candidate perspective. I endorse and recommend James McNeaney's services.

ARUP

Dr Iftikhar Khan - Associate Energy Advisory

I highly recommend James Anthony for his exceptional skills and expertise in headhunting and recruitment. I've been impressed by his dedication, professionalism, and results. His deep understanding of the energy industry and extensive network consistently yield outstanding candidates who make significant contributions. James has a remarkable ability to identify and attract top-tier talent, maintaining clear and transparent communication throughout the recruitment process for a smooth and efficient experience. His personalized approach ensures candidates are not only qualified but also a good fit for the company's culture, leading to long-term success. James's professionalism, integrity, and dedication to ethical recruitment practices set him apart in the industry.

MOWAH

Chris Shelton - Head of Legal & Sustainability

James is a highly skilled professional with exceptional expertise in identifying talent and fostering meaningful connections. His commitment to excellence and strategic approach set him apart in his field. Highly recommended

Mitsubishi

Elie Rizk - SVP -Key Accounts

Through my 25+ career, I have dealt with several professional international recruiters who were my window to several exciting roles. On exceptional basis, I would vote for Chelsea to be the best in terms of balancing the win/win for both the employee & the employer. Further, she did demonstrate high level of business understanding which helped me to better qualify the discussed job opportunity. I am confident of the great values she brings to her employer and her customers. With such level of trust, I am honoured to have Chelsea as a great friend & business contact reference.

Positive Zero, A Blackrock Company

Nahidh Elshaer, Country Director - Solar PV Developer Siraj Power- a Positive Zero company

James has been great in understanding my recruitment needs, not only from a personal point of view, but also from spotting a candidate with the right technical skills that is a right fit for the position. I like working with James because he spends the time to understand and provide a shortlist of solid candidates for the position I'm recruiting for. He is also very diligent in providing continuous feedback throughout and after the recruitment process.

EDF Renewables

Ayham Mkalalati, Director of Operations

I’ve worked on numerous occasions as both a candidate and client with Ascendia in the past and I believe their professional attitude, friendly approach and notorious network  certainly benefit both our organization or candidates looking to be represented by professionals. I can’t recommend Ascendia highly enough. I’ve work with James in the past and I believe his professional attitude and friendly approach can certainly benefit either an organization or an individual. I strongly recommend him and the company he’s representing!

Enviromena Europe

Vlad Ion, Project Director at Enviromena Power Systems

James is a very passionate, professional and charismatic recruiter who is always able to identify top talent within the renewables industry. He is diligent in his work, takes the time to understand the details of a position and conducts thorough research to present the most suitable candidates. His extensive and unrivalled knowledge of the region and beyond coupled with his courteous and honest personality has allowed him to build and maintain a solid network of professionals. I have employed several candidates on my team directly through Ascendia and will definitely continue to work with him in the future.

EDF

Hani Mukhalalati, Technical Director

Ascendia are a very well connected and dependable Executive Search partner who specialize in renewable energy, energy, and infrastructure globally. Ascendia are extremely personable, thorough, and execute well. I would recommend Ascendia to both clients or candidates looking for the best recruiters in the region.

Terabase

John Milston, Director of Sales USA & Australia+D30

Ascendia are without question the go-to recruiters in the Power and Infra markets. Their deep-rooted knowledge combined with personable and not transactional approach set them apart from the so-called competition. Not only have Ascendia found me two different senior roles, they have also hired extensively for C-Level and Director roles, as well project teams through their Project Solutions service.

Nesma Energy & Water

Kamyar Rezai, Chief Investment Officer

Frankly there aren't many professional recruiters out there, James and the team at Ascendia are exceptional experts in their fields, and James is second to none. I have been approached by many recruiters, Partners and Associates at Ascendia, and they are simply are the best in their field. Ascendia understands the market, people’s needs, and go beyond the norm in matching candidates with best opportunities that fit their expertise with the right client. If you require recruiting services in the GCC region and beyond just reach out to Ascendia, and James and the team will deliver.

Total Energies

Shadhaf AlDuwais, Chief Executive Office

I highly recommend James and Ascendia Group. Their exceptional knowledge and strategic approach to talent management significantly contributed to our organization's success and my personal career development. Ascendia excel in identifying and nurturing talent, creating opportunities that align with both individual aspirations and business goals. Their foresight in adapting recruitment strategies to industry changes has been invaluable. James leadership style, combining inspiration and pragmatism, fosters a culture of integrity and drives team success. James's contribution to Ascendia Group is a testament to his invaluable skills and qualities, making him an asset to any organization. I highly recommend James as a Managing Partner and of course Ascendia Group.

Al Jomaih Energy & Water

Tharanga Rathnasiri, Chief Financial Officer

James is a true professional his approach to specialist recruitment is second to none and every placement was extremely fluid and straight forward. James has a fantastic database of candidates at all levels and ensures the very best for clients. It is a truly great experience working with James and having him represent us. James is a true professional his approach to specialist recruitment is second to none and every placement was extremely fluid and straight forward. James has a fantastic database of candidates at all levels and ensures the very best for clients. It is a truly great experience working with James and having him represent us.

Infinity

Stephen Molden, Director of Execution and Delivery

I highly recommend Ascendia who are unparallelled and specialized in connecting skilled individuals with rewarding opportunities. Committed to fostering collaborative partnerships, Ascendia are unquestionably leaders in their sectors and in Search and Project Solutions recruitment in general.

Siraj

Raul Gonzalez Marcelo, Chief Operating Officer

Ascendia, James, Mahmood and Chelsea are top-tier headhunters, with unrivalled knowledge of the renewable energy, power generation and infrastructure markets in the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe. They excel in the identification of the candidate potential and ambition, matching that with the right job vacancy. Ascendia keeps always everyone informed of the recruitment process status, giving you the valuable feedback and advice.

Planno

Daniel Domingues, Chief Executive Office

I highly recommend Ascendia for their exceptional skills and expertise in the field of headhunting and recruitment. I have been impressed by their dedication, professionalism, and results. James and Ascendia's  deep understanding of the energy industry and extensive network have consistently yielded outstanding candidates who have made significant contributions to the industry. They possess a remarkable ability to identify and attract top-tier talent. Ascendia maintain clear and transparent communication throughout the recruitment process, keeping both parties well-informed and ensuring a smooth and efficient experience. They are committed to delivering results on time, with the highest detail. Their personalized approach ensures that the candidates he recommends are not only qualified but also a good fit for the company's culture, leading to long-term success, and I can tell this for a fact as it was precisely what happened to me. Finally, a word for his professionalism and integrity – James's ethical conduct and dedication to ethical recruitment practices set him apart in the industry.

Yellow Door Energy

Leandro Bento, Group CTO @ Yellow Door Energy | Operations, Clean Energy

I wanted to take a moment to express my appreciation for our longstanding professional cooperation in the solar industry. Over the years, our partnership including top solar companies has proven to be very valuable, and much of our success is attributable to your dedication and expertise. Our collaboration has been characterized by a great partnership built on trust, transparency, and efficiency. Ascendia’s commitment to maintaining direct contacts and fostering a fast, non-bureaucratic relationship has been instrumental in our ability to navigate the complexities of our structural and resource intensive market and deliver exceptional results for our common clients. I look forward continuing our journey together and building on the strong foundation we've established especially here in the MENA region.

Ideematic

Hans Jürgen Sauter, Solar Racking & Tracking Enthusiast

In my dynamic career, I had a pleasure to work with Ascendia as an excellent Executive Search partner. They are always there when needed, and even more. I have worked with Ascendia both as a client and candiate and there are no better recruitment partners in the region and beyond.

Prime Infrastructure

Dragan Stamenkovic, Chief T&D Officer

I highly recommend Ascendia to anyone looking for a skilled and dedicated Executive Search partner to help find professional roles. They personify professionalism and are a pleasure to work with. They listen to individual needs and provide invaluable guidance and support throughout the process. In my case, Ascendia took the time to understand career goals and aspirations and then worked tirelessly to identify and secure the perfect role. Their attention to detail, positive attitude, and ability to guide throughout the process made the experience smooth and stress-free. Their expertise and experience in the industry made all the difference. I was thrilled with my new role that came with Ascendia's help.

NEOM

Dr. Roshan Bhattarai, Senior Director - Transmission System Planning at ENOWA - NEOM Energy & WaterManager

James and the Ascendia group have provided a trusted partnership supporting me both with my personal search and with our recruitment needs. Ascendia are very transparent, communicative, diligent and go the extra mile. They have a thorough understanding of the regional market, a strong database and unrivalled network and are responsive and reactive to our needs I would professionally and personally recommend Ascendia for Executive Mandates, Project Solutions and Outsourcing / Contractor hires globally.

Qiddiya

Marcus De La Mare, Chief Human Resources Officer

I had the pleasure of working with Ascendia during my recent job search, and I cannot speak highly enough of their exceptional skills as Executive Search professionals. With their extensive network and diligent approach, they quickly identified opportunities that aligned with my career goals. Their professionalism and commitment to my success were evident throughout the process, and thanks to their efforts, I was able to secure multiple job offers and make a smooth transition into a new role. Ascendia are truly standout in their field, and I would highly recommend them to anyone seeking new career opportunities or Executive Hires, Ascendia are true leaders in their fields and their reputation speaks for itself.

Al Jomaih Energy & Water

Fahd Bin Aftab FCA, CFO power, utilities

I highly recommend James as a renewable energy recruiter. His expertise and dedication in identifying top talent have been instrumental in our industry's success. James' professionalism and proactive approach make him an asset to any company looking to expand their team. It's always a pleasure working with him. I highly recommend James as a renewable energy recruiter – his expertise and dedication in identifying top talent have been instrumental in our industry's success.

Three Eight Six

Daniel Pedroso, Chief Commercial Officer

I recently had the excellent experience of working with James and Ascendia in the fields of job search and talent recruitment. I can highly recommend them to both job seekers and particularly to any company wishing to expand their team across Executive Hires and Project Teams. They take a long term view with all his clients and carefully considers both the right candidate and advises on the position that is being recruited for. Their truly extensive knowledge of the energy and infrastructure space coupled with a high degree of professionalism and personal approach makes Tham an exceptional talent in their field and I can highly recommend James and his team. I recently had the excellent experience of working with James in the fields of job search and talent recruitment.

MOWAH

Keith O' Leary, Executive Director - Development

I wholeheartedly recommend Ascendia as an exceptional Executive Search and Project Recruitment partner for sourcing top-tier talent in the infrastructure development sector. Working closely with Ascendia has been an absolute pleasure, and I cannot speak highly enough of his ability to deliver outstanding results. Ascendia consistently demonstrates a keen understanding of our organization's unique needs and requirements. Their deep knowledge of the infrastructure development field ensures that he not only identifies highly qualified candidates but also matches them perfectly with our company's culture and vision.

Al Bawani Capital

Jamil Haitham Adi, Head Of Infrastructure Investments and PPP at Albawani

Being new to the MENA region in 2021/2 and recruiting renewable energy talent in Dubai and Singapore, I was grateful for an introduction to James and his team. With plenty of recruiters claiming to be experts, Ascendia were the only ones who understood our briefs and with his deep knowledge of the emerging renewables industry and valuable contacts, they quickly identified great talent for me. Recruiting the right talent in a booming industry is vital so if this is your challenge, Ascendia are definitely your go-to search and outsourcing partners globally.

Intercontinental Energy

Lars Hansen, Director Upstream Energy

I have worked with Ascendia on many occasions as our business expanded; his experience, in-depth knowledge and network in the Energy industry supported our recruitment strategy. Ascendia Group always provided us with a pool of candidates who aligned with our strategy and in nearly all cases; the candidates who were finally placed remained in the business, made a positive impact, and made significant steps to aid in growing or delivering the business targets.

Trifigua

Steven Cleveland, Global Chief Development Officer

It is my pleasure to recommend Mr. James at LinkedIn. He helped me to find a suitable position utilising my education and experience by connecting me with Enviromena Power system and I recommend Mr. James as a highly professional recruiter. It is my pleasure to recommend Mr. James at LinkedIn. He helped me to find a suitable position utilising my education and experience by connecting me with Enviromena Power system and I recommend Mr. James as a highly professional recruiter.

Al Bawani Capital

Derar Almomani, Mechanical Project Engineer at TSK-Enviromena Power Systems JV ----- 103MWp PV project.

Sirajpower and I have exclusively been working with Ascendia since very close to the inception of SirajPower nearly a decade ago.  I can genuinely recommend Ascendia as exceptional recruiters and headhunters with an unrivalled network across the renewables and power markets. James and his team have sourced over 60 top-tier talents in the solar development sector for SirajPower and have also supported us when outsourcing solutions are required across the GCC and beyond. Working closely with Ascendia has been an absolute pleasure, and I cannot speak highly enough of their ability to deliver outstanding results. Ascendia consistently demonstrates an unrivalled understanding of our organization's unique needs and requirements. His in depth knowledge of the renewables development field ensures that he not only identifies highly qualified candidates but also matches them perfectly with our company's culture and vision.

Positive Zero, A Blackrock Company

Laurent Longuet, Chief Executive Officer at SirajPower

I highly recommend Ascendia for their exceptional skills and expertise in headhunting and recruitment. I've been impressed by their dedication, professionalism, and results. Their deep understanding of the energy industry and extensive network consistently yield outstanding candidates who make significant contributions. Ascendia and James have a remarkable ability to identify and attract top-tier talent, maintaining clear and transparent communication throughout the recruitment process for a smooth and efficient experience. Their personalized approach ensures candidates are not only qualified but also a good fit for the company's culture, leading to long-term success. James's professionalism, integrity, and dedication to ethical recruitment practices set him apart in the industry.

MOWAH

Christopher Shelton, Head of Legal and Sustainability & Strategic Advisor

I highly recommend Ascendia, after having worked closely with them for a number of years now. Not only are they well versed within the IPP, ISYP, IWP and PPP market, but their attention to detail on the candidates needs and requirement is impeccable. As a hiring manager, it is essential that any candidate put forward is not only suited for the role technically but also fits well into the organizations culture and work ethic - Ascendia are always  conscious of this critical requirement, and have never disappointed. Ascendia successfully delivered 15 C level and Director level mandates as well as several specialist legal roles across assets , difficult language reqiurements, and IPP / IWPP. All were delivered within budget, before deadlines and have had a zero turnover from these hires.

Al Jomaih Energy & Water

Zulfiqar Noorani, Chief Operations Officer

Ascendia are highly recommended for their flexibility, responsiveness and individualised approach to providing solutions. James, and the Ascendia team, supported with a targeted power sector segment consultancy piece. The deliverables were concise, comprehensively addressed the brief and provided the necessary input into strategic decision making. Ascendia are highly recommended for their flexibility, responsiveness and individualised approach to providing solutions and we have successfully utilsed there outsourcing and project solutions teams on several successful occasions.

Fichtner

Anthony Raftopoulos, Managing Director - Gulf Countries

Ascendia has a great ability to see the bigger picture while focusing on the details that truly matter. They are relentless in their pursuit of the best fit for both clients and candidates, and his active, hands-on approach consistently delivers outstanding results where I have used tham as a client for executive mandates, project solutions and contracting / outsourcing in South America, Recently as a candidate thei attention to detail is nothing short of excellence 10/10

United Nations Contributor

Alexis Issaharoff, Chief Renewable Officer

I highly recommend Ascendia, after having worked closely with them for over a decade in various companies where I held C-Level positions.  Without a doubt, they are unrivalled within the Energy and Infrastructure markets and their attention is impeccable. Working in a high pressure environment, it is essential that any candidates put forward are not only suited for the role technically but also fits well into the organizations culture and work ethic - Ascendia are always conscious of this critical requirement, and have never disappointed. I have lost count of the times I have used Ascendia as a candidate or client and have utilised all there service offerings from benchmarking to Executive hires to Outsourcing / Contractor hires. I cannot recommend highly enough.

Infinity (MASDAR JV)

Joachim Altpeter, Chief Operations Officer

I highly recommend James and his team from Ascendia for their exceptional services in assisting my company with hiring skilled professionals. Their team constantly demonstrated a deep understanding of my needs, promptly providing me with a pool of qualified candidates tailored to the requirements. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to finding the right fit for my team were excellent. Thanks to Ascendia's support, we were able to recruit several top talents efficiently and are continuing to utilise Ascendia on senior mandates and through our SPVs and Ascendia Project Solutions and Outsourcing / Contractor in the GCC.

JERA

Eugene Vogel, Managing Director - MEA

I have worked with Ascendia and James for over 7 years now. I have enjoyed working with them as they have consistently demonstrated exceptional talent management skills. They are able to understand the needs of the client, attract the right individuals with the right skill set and help bring the two parties to a common understanding and of mutual acceptance of each other. James and Mahmoud in particular are very dedicated Talent Management partners to work with and they will go out of their way to make sure that they don’t waste your time and only propose candidates who meet or exceed your expectations. I mostly appreciate their continued follow up and long term view of their relationships with the clients. I wish them all the best going forward and I for one will continue to rely on their services!

Albawani Capital

Hesham Alghamdi, CEO