Our Team
We’re a team of problem solvers, working together to help drive the transition to net zero. From engineering and software to sales, finance and everything in between, we bring different skills to the same goal, and we like the people we do it with. Meet the people behind Kinewell.
Our Leadership Team
Dr Andrew Jenkins – Founder & CEO
Andrew developed Kinewell’s flagship software KLOC, and has led the company’s growth into a team serving global clients across offshore wind and beyond, through digital tools and expert support that reduce costs, accelerate projects and de-risk decisions. Under his leadership, Kinewell has developed more tools, won a King’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade, and secured Mercia-managed North East Accelerator Fund investment. Andrew is a thought leader, speaking at events, TV and radio.
Dr Henna Bains – Chief Technology Officer
Henna leads the technical development of Kinewell’s optimisation software. Henna is the authority on Kinewell’s cost models, applying advanced statistical methods and first-principles modelling to solve complex energy challenges and handle uncertainty in infrastructure optimisation. Henna holds a PhD and MMath from Durham University, where her research developed a software tool for handling uncertainty in offshore wind planning and windfarm connection cost modelling. She is a recognised technical thought leader.
Tony Appleton – Chief Commercial Officer
Tony leads Kinewell’s Commercial department. He brings over 32 years’ leadership experience across start-ups and FTSE 100/250 companies in offshore renewables and interconnectors. He has played a major role in shaping the global offshore wind industry, directly involved in more than 55 projects worldwide. At Burns & McDonnell, Tony led the company’s entry into the US offshore wind market, contributing to over 80% of projects within four years. He also helped build Balfour Beatty’s Power division and grew Parsons Brinckerhoff’s position in the sector. Tony is passionate about innovation and digitalisation as key to net zero.
Craig Lilford – Fractional Chief Financial Officer
Craig is an experienced board advisor and commercial leader with over 20 years’ experience driving growth, transformation and strategic value creation across technology, financial services, retail and consumer businesses. He currently serves as Fractional CFO and Board Member to several high-growth, venture-backed businesses, providing strategic financial leadership, fundraising support, commercial planning and investor relations, working closely with founders, boards and investors to improve financial performance, strengthen governance and deliver sustainable growth. Craig has held senior finance roles within FTSE-listed organisations including Sage Group and RBS Group, leading multi-million-pound strategic initiatives, commercial growth programmes and complex business restructurings.
David Pinches – Non-Executive Director
David is a computer science and mathematics graduate from Leeds University with a wealth of experience in the business-to-business software industry. Across a 44-year career, he has held high-profile technology roles including Head of Software at Sage, Commercial Director at Scott Logic, and Non-Executive Chair of Salesfire. David was introduced to Kinewell by Mercia following a £750,000 investment from the North East Accelerate Fund, managed by Mercia Ventures.