Cris Thacker is a senior communications and stakeholder engagement professional with extensive experience delivering infrastructure and renewable energy projects across the UK. As Communications Manager at Fred. Olsen Renewables, he leads strategic communications, public affairs, community engagement and reputation management for a diverse portfolio of onshore wind, energy and infrastructure developments. 

Throughout his career, Cris has worked at the intersection of industry, politics and communities, helping build trusted relationships between developers, elected representatives, regulators, local authorities, community organisations and residents. He has led consultation programmes for nationally significant infrastructure projects, advised senior executives on stakeholder strategy, and managed complex engagement campaigns through planning, construction and operational phases.

Known for his practical and people-centred approach, Cris specialises in translating technical projects into meaningful local conversations, ensuring communities have a genuine voice in shaping development. His work spans public consultation, media relations, community benefit programmes, political engagement, crisis communications and social value delivery. He is particularly passionate about demonstrating how infrastructure investment can create lasting economic and community benefits while supporting the transition to a low-carbon future.

A regular speaker at industry conferences and stakeholder forums, Cris brings real-world insight into the challenges and opportunities facing infrastructure developers in an increasingly complex political, regulatory and social landscape. Drawing on experience from some of Scotland's largest renewable energy projects, he provides a candid perspective on building trust, managing competing interests, and delivering effective engagement that secures better outcomes for projects and communities alike.