Hiring a generation leader to power a campus years ahead of the grid
An AI compute operator chose onsite gas generation and needed someone to own it.
- 1
- executive hire
- 11
- weeks to signed offer
- 300 MW
- onsite program
The challenge
Grid capacity at the client's preferred Texas site wasn't available until 2029. Leadership decided to build phased onsite gas generation instead — but no one on the team had developed a power plant.
They needed a leader who could handle turbine procurement, air permitting and fuel supply while working inside a fast-moving compute company.
The role also had to work closely with the data center design team, because generation choices affected cooling, electrical architecture and site layout. A traditional power-plant developer who could not work at software-company speed would not succeed.
Our approach
We focused on generation developers at IPPs and utility-scale developers who had taken projects from site control to commercial operation.
We screened for experience with peaking and combined-cycle turbines, ERCOT market rules and TCEQ permitting.
We presented a shortlist of five candidates in four weeks, all with completed projects of 200 MW or more.
Each finalist met the CEO and head of infrastructure, and we gave the client a structured scorecard covering technical depth, speed, and fit with a fast-moving culture.
The outcome
The client hired a Director of Generation Development with two completed gas projects in ERCOT.
The new leader secured turbine slots and filed air permits within the first quarter.
The company has since asked GridTal to build out the generation team underneath that role.
Lessons for your search
Start early. The strongest onsite generation candidates were not looking and needed time to consider a move.
Be specific about the mandate. Candidates responded to clear decision rights, executive access and real projects — not just compensation.
Move fast once finalists appear. Every hire in this search had other conversations underway.