Specialist executive search for clean energy and automotive.
Offtake Search is a specialist executive search firm focused on clean energy and automotive. We place senior commercial, technical, and leadership talent for companies across the energy transition — from hydrogen production and fuel cell manufacturing to EV charging networks and renewable energy development.
Offtake was founded by Matt Lister, who has eight years' experience in executive search, previously as founder of Unruly Talent. Matt previously built the hydrogen sector's fastest-growing and most highly engaged media brand from scratch — writing, photographing, and filming all content himself. He has reported from motor shows, product launches, and industry events across Europe and the Middle East, and interviewed leadership teams across the hydrogen and automotive sectors. His reporting has been picked up by Top Gear, Jalopnik, and Motor1, and his work has appeared in H2 View. He now edits two independent publications, Hymotive (hydrogen mobility) and Driving ZEV (zero-emission vehicles), and built H2Where, a live global hydrogen refuelling station map.
We work on both a retained and contingent basis, depending on the role and the urgency. Our approach is focused: a small number of searches, done properly, with candidates who genuinely understand your sector.
Eight years in executive search, previously as founder of Unruly Talent. Covers hydrogen mobility and zero-emission vehicles as a journalist — reporting picked up by Top Gear, Jalopnik, and Motor1. Published in H2 View. Editor of Hymotive and Driving ZEV. Built H2Where. Based in Yorkshire.
Matt really understood who we were looking for. He thoroughly screens candidates and makes beautiful profile summaries for the ones he believes match up. That let us spend good time with a small selection of candidates to find a fantastic fit for both sides.
I've worked with Matt on seven assignments. Every one has delivered exceptional candidates matched exactly to the brief. He listens closely, asks intelligent questions to fine-tune his understanding, then works to find the right person for the role.
Working with Matt was great — he 'gets it'. He asked the right questions to get clarity, the process was slick, and the hires were excellent.
Matt was incredibly diligent at every step, highly professional and an absolute pleasure to work with. His focus and determination to fill our specific brief was outstanding.
He recruits with strong values in mind, and builds relationships with candidates through his genuine approach — finding the right fits, not the easy ones.
Probably the best recruiter I've had the pleasure of working with. Matt is kind, thorough and very organised. He checked in regularly, gave specific and transparent feedback on each round, and made me feel anything but left in the dark.
Drawn from Matt's executive search work in consumer brands prior to founding Offtake. Sector-specific references will appear here as Offtake mandates close.
Briefs, introductions, or just a conversation about the market — we welcome them all.