Get to know us:
Spirit has extensive offshore energy industry knowledge with the vision and capability to provide strong strategy development and deliver business growth. Passionate about assisting and enabling the energy transition through the growth of capacity, capability and skills in the renewables supply chains.
🔹 Chris Jones, Director at Spirit AEG 🔹
With 15 years of hands-on experience working across the offshore energy and subsea industries, Chris brings an exceptional mix of strategic thinking, business development expertise, and technical knowledge to the table at Spirit Advisory.
A Board-Level Executive and experienced Business Development professional, Chris has a proven track record of driving business growth by bringing new products to market and expanding into new territories and regions. His entrepreneurial spirit and ability to develop and execute impactful strategies has enabled him to navigate complex routes to market, while breaking down barriers to entry.
With a strong engineering and manufacturing background across multiple industries, Chris is passionate about solving problems, innovating, and enhancing capabilities to support business growth.
Having worked with leading offshore equipment providers in the industry, Chris brings a deep expertise in offshore wind, cable lay, burial, and repair operations to Spirit Advisory. His extensive industry connections with developers, subsea contractors, and EPCI teams further enhance his impact and vision for the future of the subsea markets and offshore energy transition.
At Spirit Advisory, Chris is dedicated to driving and growing the capabilities within the energy transition supply chain, supporting the development of new technologies, and helping to enable the future of offshore infrastructure.
🔹 Dustin Varnell, Director at Spirit AEG 🔹
With 20 years of hands-on experience in offshore energy and vessel operations, Dustin brings an exceptional mix of creative vision, passion, business development expertise, and technical knowledge to the table at Spirit Advisory.
As an experienced ship officer with deep expertise in vessel operations and offshore energy, Dustin has led numerous successful projects in shipyards and construction projects around the globe. His work has significantly contributed to the advancement of technology in the energy transition and marine safety. This experience and his passion for the industry make him a valuable asset at Spirit Advisory.
Dustin is deeply committed to sharing his experiences and expertise with others, particularly in ocean industries. His career in the blue economy has not only provided him with a fulfilling career and excellent life experience, but also a strong belief in the importance of giving back to the community that has supported him. Dustin's commitment to fostering the next generation of professionals, particularly in offshore careers, where opportunities are vast and rewarding, is truly inspiring. He is eager to work closely with young people and educational institutions to guide and inspire future talent. Through his dedication, Dustin aims to share his passion for the ocean and the many possibilities it holds for those willing to explore it, instilling hope and inspiration for the future of the offshore energy sector.
Having worked with leading firms in offshore construction and marine operations, Dustin brings not only deep expertise around vessels and ports to Spirit Advisory, but also a wealth of industry connections. His extensive network with developers, vessel owners, and EPCI teams further bolsters his impact and vision for the future of Marine Technology and Offshore Energy. This network, built on trust and collaboration, instils confidence in Dustin's ability to drive change and innovation in the offshore energy sector.
At Spirit Advisory, Dustin is not just a Director, but a dedicated leader with a clear vision for the future of the offshore energy sector. He is committed to driving engagement within the offshore wind supply chain, supporting the development of new technologies, and enabling the future of offshore infrastructure. His dedication and vision for the future of offshore energy is sure to excite and inspire all those involved in the sector.
🔹Jessica (Jess) Heesom, Business Advisor and Outreach Manager 🔹
Jess Heesom recently joined the team as a Business Advisor & Outreach Manager, bringing curiosity, energy, and a strong analytical mindset to her first professional role. A natural communicator and team player, Jess developed her leadership skills as captain of the Newcastle University Swimming Club, an experience that reflects her ability to motivate others, manage responsibility, and deliver under pressure.
She graduated with honours in Geography from Newcastle University and is now studying for a Master’s in Renewable Energy, Enterprise and Management, an interdisciplinary programme that aligns closely with her passion for sustainability, innovation, and strategic thinking.
In her role, Jess blends data analysis and research with a purposeful outreach mission: helping to bridge the growing skills gap in the offshore wind industry. Drawing on her academic insight and communication strengths, she is working to connect talent with opportunity - engaging with young people, educators, and stakeholders to raise awareness of the career pathways and skills needed to support the UK’s clean energy transition.
Her postgraduate studies will help her understanding of the energy sector, and she is eager to continue developing her knowledge of offshore wind and the wider renewables landscape. Jess is motivated by a desire to make a meaningful contribution, both by supporting informed decision-making through analysis, and by inspiring the next generation to shape the future of sustainable energy.
🔹Louis Kemp, Business Development🔹
Louis Kemp is a recent Entrepreneurship graduate from Northumbria University, and will be supporting Spirit Advisory through business development, youth engagement, and strategic outreach. His academic work and final-year project focused on engaging younger generations in offshore renewables, experience that will directly inform his role at Spirit Advisory.
With experience in care work and hospitality, Louis brings strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, and a people-first mindset to his work. He thrives under responsibility, naturally steps into leadership roles, and is motivated by the chance to connect talent to opportunity.
A forward-thinker, Louis is driven by the sector’s potential to deliver meaningful change fuelled by a passion for innovation and purposeful work. He plays a key role in growing Spirit Advisory’s presence across education, digital platforms, and industry networks.
🔹 Emily Ballantyne, Part Time PA / Marketing Support 🔹
Emily has a background as a versatile Corporate Communications Expert with extensive experience in PR, content creation, and brand development. Skilled in driving PR activities across local, regional, and national levels, Emily creates impactful content aligned with commercial objectives, including ESG initiatives, and collaborates with design and digital teams to deliver consistent messaging.
Emily has extensive experience in client liaison, account management, and overseeing creative projects from concept to finished production. In addition to her corporate role, Emily has previously worked as a PA, managing social media content, designing visuals and analysing data across platforms. Her freelance experience also includes market research, copywriting, diary and event management, as well as telesales and telemarketing activities.
Previously, Emily has worked as a Researcher where she managed both qualitative and quantitative research projects, and delivered comprehensive reports based on market research data, with findings and recommendations.
