Ben Pritchard

Ben Pritchard is the CEO of AVK, the UK and Europe’s leading provider of innovative power solutions for data centres and major organisations. 

With 12 years at AVK already behind him, Ben has risen through the ranks to lead AVK's expansion and drive sustainable innovation in critical power infrastructure to not only meet today’s power needs but also align with the growing demand for environmental responsibility in data centres.

Ben has more than a decade of experience managing and delivering complete end-to-end critical power projects, with hyperscale data centre owners and operators trusting Ben’s expertise and extensive knowledge of energy technology to successfully deliver multi-million-pound contracts.

Leading a new era for AVK

Much like many in the data centre and energy solutions business, Ben had a far-from-conventional introduction to the industry — something he is proud of and says was “invaluable”.

He came into the role of CEO in 2023, taking over from his father, but admittedly had originally had no intention of joining the family business.

“I joined AVK as a part-time service engineer and as I stepped through I became really fascinated with the data centre market,” Ben says. “That’s one of the great things that AVK’s given me, this gateway into an industry that I think is just probably one of the most topical industries in the world right now.”

His education in the field has been guided more by practical experience than formal schooling, following a shift in focus after an injury ended his plans for a career in professional rugby. Ben says his sporting past instilled resilience in him as he set off on a different journey.

“What has truly shaped my career isn’t the traditional academic route, but rather the on-the-job learning I gained in the power solutions industry,” Ben says.

“Over the last 12 years at AVK, I’ve had the opportunity to dive deep into each function within the company — from engineering to commissioning, project management and eventually sales. This hands-on experience is, in my view, the most effective form of education.

Ben splits his career into two distinct, major chapters: professional rugby and AVK.

Both sides have shaped him into the executive he is today, with rugby teaching invaluable lessons in inner confidence, resilience and handling pressure — all skills he relies on day in, day out. 

“Over the last 12 years, I’ve been fortunate to gain experience across a wide range of roles,” Ben shares. “I started in the service team, working with generator maintenance, before moving to commissioning, where I gained technical insights.

“This was followed by project management and engineering roles, which have given me a comprehensive understanding of our operations and the people who make them successful. Eventually, I transitioned into sales.

“Each position taught me something new and gave me a holistic view of our business and industry. This diverse path has given me an in-depth understanding of AVK’s operations and the people within it, which I believe is essential for effective leadership.”

Ben hopes by sharing his experience that others, regardless of educational background, see that there’s a place for them in this industry if they are willing to work hard and keep learning.

The UK's youngest CEO solving the energy challenges of data centres and AI

Despite being younger in years, Ben has an experienced head on his shoulders. His forward-thinking vision for AVK’s future is built on the company’s 35-year history. 

AVK was established as a company that sold rotary DRUPS systems, evolving in the following decades and stepping through multiple different technologies based on client need.

“But at the core, all of those things are the same — whether it's battery storage, reciprocating engines, standby HVO engines,” Ben explains. “It's still fundamental engineering and delivery. The same project managers and engineering team will engineer a battery storage job as they will a huge microgrid as they will standby generator. The process is still the same.

“What we’re doing is applying the knowledge we’ve gained over the 35 years — all of the process systems and the great people that we have — and applying it into a new sphere. 

“That new sphere isn’t that new but is to the data centre industry. If we look at microgrids, the technology we’re using has been around for 40 years. There’s a lot of knowledge out there and we’ve managed to employ and attract that skillset into the business. This means we have 35 years of knowledge around data centres coupled with new knowledge around gas generation and large power schemes. It marries quite well.”

Read the full story HERE.

Explore the latest edition of Sustainability Magazine and be part of the conversation at our global conference series, Sustainability LIVE. 

Discover all our upcoming events and secure your tickets today.​​​​​​​

Sustainability Magazine is a BizClik brand