Monthly Meets: Meet Shaun Prinsloo, Head of Commercial
Each month, we shine a spotlight on the people behind Guernsey Electricity. This time, we’re catching up with Shaun Prinsloo, our newly appointed Head of Commercial, to hear about his journey into the role, what he’s focused on right now, and why great leadership is a lot like riding in a peloton.
What is your role at Guernsey Electricity?
Having a Head of Commercial may seem unusual for the sole supplier of electricity – but that’s where things get interesting. Alongside our ‘core’ electricity supply work, we also have ‘non-core’ work that includes our electricians, plumbers, shop and property – all competing in a competitive market.
This is where I come into the picture.
I’m here to make sure these areas are commercially strong and deliver the high-quality, reliable service islanders need every day. The best part is that the value these services generate gets reinvested back into our island’s electricity supply, so for me there’s a real sense of purpose behind the hard work I oversee.
How did your career path lead you to this role?
I started my career as an electrical engineer and have spent over 20 years working in technically complex environments across energy, industrial automation, engineering and technology. Along the way, I moved into senior commercial and leadership roles, working across the UK and Africa in highly regulated industries.
Then, an unexpected opportunity in my wife’s career brought our family to Guernsey. That relocation opened the door to career that has impact on real, everyday life.
I joined Guernsey Electricity as a Senior Project Manager, later a Business Improvement Team Lead, and now, as I begin my fourth year here, I’m excited to step into this role as Head of Commercial.
What does a typical day/week look like for you?
I’m here to make sure we deliver good-quality service to islanders.
That means a typical day or week must balance strategy with delivery. I work closely with our operational teams (including electricians, plumbers and our shop team), review commercial performance, develop business cases and investment plans, and engage people both in the business and outside to translate strategy into practical, deliverable outcomes.
What are you currently working on?
I’m a strong believer in pragmatic innovation, which means right now, my focus is making sure our electricians, plumbers, shop and property teams are well positioned for the future.
That involves strengthening our foundations, making improvements in how we deliver these services, and thoughtful investment in the systems and tools that genuinely improve everyday life. Innovation is great when it solves real problems and doesn’t become a sole focus just for the sake of it.
At Guernsey Electricity, that translates into modernising our internal systems and exploring future tools, such as AI-enabled chatbots designed to make our service more accessible and clearer for customers.
When you’re dealing with everyday lives, solutions must be for specific problems.
What lessons have shaped the way you work?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that technical knowledge is the entry fee for leadership, but it’s not what drives long-term success.
I’ve spent much of my career working with complex systems, but the most intricate systems aren’t made of wires, they’re made of people. If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be to listen more than you speak.
I believe bringing people with you through change, whether that’s transformation projects or new partnerships, is what really defines effective leadership. Technical skills might get you a seat at the table, but emotional intelligence is what invites you back.
What’s one thing people might not realise about Guernsey Electricity?
Our team works 24/7 and includes engineers, data specialists, retail experts, plumbers, project managers and customer service teams to name just a few. That breadth and diversity is one of our biggest strengths.
In my role, I need to understand how different teams think and work. A plumber’s priorities aren’t the same as a digital developer’s, and spending time with the different teams on the ground is the only way to innovate responsibly and stay competitive.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Be patient, listen more than you speak, and never underestimate the value of relationships. Technical capability is important, but long‑term success is built on trust, clarity, and the ability to bring people with you through change.
What is your proudest life achievement so far?
Professionally, I am most proud of building and leading high‑performing teams across multiple countries and cultures, and of delivering complex programmes that leave organisations stronger and more sustainable.
Personally, relocating my family across continents while continuing to grow professionally has been both challenging and deeply rewarding.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I enjoy staying active and spending time outdoors, particularly through road cycling and walking, which provide a welcome counterbalance to work. I ‘m also an active member of the Only Fools and Donkeys charity cycling group and have completed two European cycling tours in support of their work.
I value time with family and friends, and have a strong interest in technology, especially in how you can use digital tools to improve everyday life, both at work and at home.
Bonus question - what is your favourite podcast and why
One podcast I regularly listen to is the BCS Podcast. It’s really good for practical insights into digital transformation, business analysis, and leadership, with a strong focus on real‑world examples rather than theory. I like it because it’s all about applying technology in a sensible, pragmatic way to solve business problems, which very much reflects how we work at Guernsey Electricity.
Link to podcast - https://www.bcs.org/articles-opinion-and-research/podcast/
