- AVK appoints Paul Hood, an experienced leader from financial and data centre sectors, to strengthen its integrated power solutions offering.
- The new COO role positions AVK to enhance operational excellence, client relationships, and delivery of a seamless energy infrastructure portfolio.
What happened: Avk names Paul Hood as COO
AVK, a UK and European supplier of data-centre power solutions, appoints Paul Hood as its new Chief Operating Officer. The move shows its plan for faster growth in the critical infrastructure sector. Hood brings long experience, with senior posts at Yondr Group as Managing Director and COO, and at Pure Data Centres Group as Global Operations Director and Managing Director, Africa. In financial services, he worked as Head of Engineering for Europe at Barclays and later as Head of Engineering Operations across EMEA at JP Morgan. There he managed data-centre operations and controlled a budget of US$90 million for 13 years.
AVK CEO Ben Pritchard calls Hood’s skills “a superb engineering brain” and notes his logical style, work ethic, and industry knowledge. Hood says he has known AVK for 30 years and is “incredibly excited” to work with its engineers. He stresses his “boots to boardroom” style, giving engineers a clear voice at the highest level.
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Why it’s important
This appointment comes at a time when demand for reliable and sustainable power solutions is rising as data-centre activity grows in the UK and Europe. Hood’s background in mission-critical systems and in regulated industries gives AVK stronger ability to deliver a full power chain, from prime power and microgrids to standby supply and modular energy.
With focus on service, maintenance, and closer work with clients, Hood can guide AVK from supplier to full operational partner in energy delivery. This fits industry change, as providers who combine strong technical skills with client service are more likely to lead. The market is shaped by ESG rules, the need for resilience, and faster project timelines. AVK’s decision shows intent to build on these needs and to set itself apart.
