Meet our Structuring Manager & M&A Coordinator, Elisa Princivalli

FAQs with Elisa

Who are you?
I am Elisa. I am Italian, from Padova (close to Venice if you are not strong in Italian geography), but I moved away when I was 19. I have lived in Brisbane, Australia; Brussels, Belgium; and 4 years ago, I am moved to Copenhagen, Denmark. Unsure where to next!

How would you describe yourself?
The first two adjectives that come to mind to describe myself are positive and determined. I am always up for a new challenge, and I always find a way to reach the objective, no matter how difficult it might seem. I smile a lot, to friends, to colleagues, and to strangers on the street because I think a friendly smile can make your day. I am very active to the point that sometimes people wonder; what is my source of energy, but I simply want to take the most out of each single day.

What do you do at European Energy?
I used to work in the Asset Management Department, where I was responsible for operational wind and solar assets, together with my team, making sure they are operating at their best, both technically and financially. Optimisation of contracts, stakeholder management, liquidity and budgeting, compliance and reporting were the main tasks in my daily work. I recently transferred to our M&A team and together with my team, we are working on divesting our solar and wind assets. What I love about my job is that you never fully know what might come during a working day. The tasks and issues you deal with are extremely diverse, enhancing personal development, and it never gets me bored.

How do you try to be a creative enabler of the green transition?
I am a creative enabler of the green transition in my everyday life. First of all by going to work and supporting European Energy in its objective to be one of the main players in the construction and management of green projects. I am also enabling the green transition in my private life, trying to make sustainable decisions, and sharing my view with people I meet.

What are the best things about working at European Energy? 
Definitely the work environment: international, inclusive and dynamic. European Energy is a very diverse company, where everyone is included in everyday decisions and discussions, in an almost hierarchy-free reality. We respect each other, and we appreciate everyone’s point of view, which allows for every opinion to be heard. That is the greatest quality to ensure positive development and success, for both individuals and for European Energy. We take care of each other, we love spending time together and have fun, which creates a safe environment in which everyone can develop and grow.

Why is it important for you that European Energy is a driving force in the green transition?
Every day we see the news reports on how societies across the world are negatively affected by climate change. It is extremely important to invert this trend; the time to act for a greener future it is now, and it makes me proud to know that in my everyday work I support European Energy in enabling the green transition and in building a better future for the new generations.

What are the best things about your colleagues?
My colleagues are the best part of my job. First of all, they are from very different backgrounds, both educationally and nationality wise, which creates an amazing international and diverse environment. Moreover, they are extremely helpful. Any question you might have, they will sit with you and help you sort it out. In almost two years at European Energy, my colleagues have become my friends, and I can count on them in the workplace and privately. We play squash, we have dinner, we go for drinks, we run, we do workouts, we are part of each other’s lives outside work, which is amazing!

European Energy has six core values. In it together, Excitement, Inclusion, Agility, Trust & Courage, and Ambition. What are the most important values for you and why?
I strongly believe the six values are equally important. More than anything, the feeling of being in it together in contributing to the green transition has been with me since my first day in the company. This is also enhanced through a culture of Trust and Courage among us, leading to a work environment in which everyone trusts you with your work, and you feel encouraged to express your opinion. Lastly, the tendency of always finding a way, ‘to do’-attitude, to approach problems with agility and always finding a way to meet your objective is also something I can see in my everyday work.

What has been your best experience so far at European Energy?
From a social and human perspective, definitely the many company trips and Christmas parties. Socialising and having fun with my colleagues have definitely been the best experiences in these past two years. From a professional perspective, the divestment of the biggest operating solar park in Italy in 2019 has been a great learning experience, and has showed me how in European Energy, when we have an objective, we do everything to make it possible. And of course, the success of such a divestment has been celebrated with great food and wine with the team!

What do you like to do outside work?
I love being active in nature, I never say no to a hike or a workout with friends. I grew up skiing every weekend in the Dolomites. I miss this a lot, but every occasion I have to be on a slope, I make it happen. I love travelling, getting close to different cultures, and seeing new places. I never say no to a glass of wine or a coffee with a friend, and I do my best to maintain the long-distance relationships with my friends and family. The 2 hour phone calls with my loved ones are my best evening plans! One last thing, I love getting out of my comfort zone and trying out new things, that being a sport, or a dish.