Beginning his career in 2008 with a regional equipment rental business as a supervisor, Stephen Lynch has navigated his fair share of challenging and hectic days in the industry, gaining invaluable insights into how events are orchestrated, not just from an equipment standpoint but also from operational and production perspectives.
From 2013 to 2023, he worked with FLOW in the UAE as a Senior Account Manager, before freelancing on high-profile projects such as FIFA World Cup Qatar and Rugby World Cup in France, before being offered the position of Head of Commercial with FLOW KSA. “Knowing this role didn’t exist back then made it even more exciting to throw my hat in the ring when it became available,” he explained.
With his focus now firmly on Saudi Arabia, Lynch spared some time to discuss his new role and shared his take on the exciting future for sustainable solutions in the Kingdom.
What is now a good time to be focusing on the KSA events market?
Saudi Arabia has a thriving market with a wide array of events across different regions, each showcasing unique aspects of the country’s culture. From the hugely successful MDLBEAST events to the world’s biggest boxing bouts and LIV Golf, there is a diverse range of activities that highlight Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage and modern advancements.
One common theme emerging in recent years is a strong focus on green initiatives. Although some green energy technologies are currently more expensive, the market’s commitment to exploring and adopting these technologies is unparalleled in the region. This makes it an ideal time to focus on the KSA events market, as the push for sustainability will drive long-term growth and innovation as these technologies become more cost-effective.
What sustainable solutions is FLOW offering in Saudi Arabia?
FLOW offers a range of sustainable solutions in Saudi Arabia. At the source level, we provide solar, hydrogen, and battery systems. Our diesel generators are also biofuel-ready, and we offer options to include additives that reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions and diesel cost.
Additionally, we can create hybrid systems that combine all these technologies, tailored specifically for each event to deliver greener and more efficient solutions. By integrating these advanced systems, we are committed to supporting the country’s green initiatives and reducing the environmental impact of events.
The desire for sustainability is shared across all areas of the country, whether for government-led or private events. Saudi Arabia has set ambitious goals, such as creating more sustainable cities like The Line in Neom. This commitment drives the need for more efficient and greener power solutions.
Where is KSA when it comes to sustainability, and how do you see the sector developing in the future?
With continued investment, the processes for producing hydrogen and biofuels will become more streamlined and widespread, ultimately reducing costs. Additionally, I believe that in the near future, AI will play a significant role in determining temporary power needs more effectively. By leveraging raw data from the suppliers’ market, AI will enhance power and cost efficiency overall.
What are FLOW’s main goals in Saudi Arabia?
In the short term, our goal is to leverage our expertise to enhance the client experience and build a strong local reputation in Saudi Arabia. In the medium term, as an engineering-led temporary power and cooling solutions company for events, we aim to establish Saudi Arabia as a central hub for the event industry. By taking advantage of the country’s significant incentives, we will continuously push the boundaries of what can be achieved in this market.
In the long term, we aspire to contribute to the development of sustainable power and HVAC solutions. As Saudi Arabia attracts top talent and invests in sustainability, the market will benefit from advancements in green energy and AI-powered efficient solutions. We are excited to be part of this dynamic and innovative future.
Photo: FLOW
