Hyphen Hydrogen Energy appoints Giuseppe Surace as COO to drive green hydrogen development

Namibia, 04 July 2024 – Hyphen Hydrogen Energy (Hyphen) has today announced the appointment of Giuseppe Surace to the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) effective from 1 July 2024.

An experienced energy sector executive with nearly 30 years’ experience managing and growing large-scale infrastructure projects globally, Giuseppe will support the development of Hyphen’s green hydrogen project in Namibia. He will provide strategic direction, leadership, and structure for the project, including the delivery of Hyphen’s socio economic development targets and ensuring the project is designed to comply with the highest international environmental and safety standards.

Giuseppe brings a wealth of experience gained from working at some of the world’s largest oil and gas operations, and has a proven track record of establishing, managing and developing complex projects.

Giuseppe has a strong understanding of African and international energy markets, having spent 12 years working for both Saipem and Dangote Industries Limited in Nigeria. Most recently, he was Chief Operating Officer for six years at the largest single-train oil refinery in the world, Dangote Petrochemical Refinery, where he provided strategic and operational leadership.

Giuseppe Surace said: “I’ve spent my entire career in the energy sector and it’s clear to see that the industry is changing, for the better. Green hydrogen will play an increasingly important role in the future energy mix as industry moves away from reliance on fossil fuels. In this respect, Hyphen’s transformative impact will extend far beyond Namibia and it’s so exciting to be joining the company at this time.

“Having worked in Africa’s energy sector for more than a decade, I look forward to applying my knowledge to help scale up green hydrogen production, drive development and investment in Namibia, and accelerate the global energy transition.”

Giuseppe is a proven international operator with a track record of delivering complex mega projects in new and emerging energy markets, working in engineering, operational and managerial roles. He has held senior management roles across the world including in Western Africa, Angola, Kuwait, Japan, Canada and Brazil.

Marco Raffinetti, CEO of Hyphen Hydrogen Energy, said: “Giuseppe’s experience in running and implementing mega projects in the energy sector, both in Africa and internationally, will be invaluable to Hyphen. I personally look forward to working closely with him as we build out this transformational project.”

Giuseppe holds a Master’s Degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Calabria, and an MBA from Bocconi University and MIP School of Management in Milan, Italy.

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