On International Project Management Day, we celebrate all the incredible project managers who drive our success at Linxon. Their dedication, expertise, and leadership are the foundation of our most ambitious projects. Get to know some of the faces behind our projects.
Thorsten Villinger is a Senior Project Manager at Linxon Americas with a proven track record in delivering high-impact energy projects, including Vineyard Wind 1, America’s first utility-scale offshore wind farm.
With over two decades of experience in project management, I’ve had the privilege of overseeing some of the most exciting and challenging energy projects. Being part of the team that delivered Vineyard Wind 1, America’s first utility-scale offshore wind farm, has been an incredible experience. This project not only powers over 400,000 homes but also helps reduce carbon emissions by 1.6 million tons each year. It’s also a perfect example of how effective project management can bring complex renewable energy solutions to life—from coordinating skilled teams to ensuring that every aspect, from local labor partnerships to environmental benefits, contributes to the success of the project.
“As a project manager, you need to be open to new ideas, willing to collaborate, and committed to growth. It’s what makes a team work, and it’s what makes the work fun.” —Thorsten Villinger, Linxon Americas
Being a PM on a project of this scale isn’t just about managing tasks—it’s about ensuring that every piece of the puzzle fits together. It requires being deeply involved in the details, from planning and resource allocation to solving problems on the fly. Coordination is essential to keep everyone aligned, from your internal team to external stakeholders, ensuring that they are all moving toward the same goal. Adaptability is also a key trait that every project manager must have—challenges are inevitable, but how you approach them defines your success. I believe in staying open to new ideas, embracing collaboration, and always being committed to growth. This mindset not only drives project success but also makes the work enjoyable and fulfilling for everyone involved.
Sathish Kuppuswamy is a seasoned project management professional with over 28 years of extensive experience in project and construction management. Throughout his career, he has successfully executed EHV (Extra High Voltage) substations, ensuring timely completion and profitable business value. He is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP®), with an MBA in Project Management, a B.S. in Engineering, and currently pursuing his PgMP.
One of my most recent projects as a Senior Project Manager was the Abraj Street Substation in Dubai. This project is a prime example of the complexity of the work I handle and the importance of implementing the right management practices for successful execution.
“I embrace a holistic approach that includes mental well-being programs and a strong focus on HSE. This reflects my commitment to building not only sustainable substations, but also environmentally conscious communities. This philosophy guides my approach to every project and in leading my team.” — Sathish Kuppuswamy, Linxon AMEA
The primary challenge was the project’s location in an urban area, just south of Downtown Dubai and the iconic Burj Khalifa. This required meticulous planning to navigate the dense cityscape and ensure minimal disruption to the surrounding environment. Issues such as material movement, manpower deployment, and machinery access all demanded unique engineering solutions and a precision approach to maximize efficiency in both design and execution.
Daily toolbox Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) talks, a stringent permit system, emergency response procedures, and continuous monitoring and supervision were integral components that contributed to the project’s successful execution. Effective communication, thorough planning, and agility are essential to ensure that the team and all stakeholders are aligned and working towards the same goals, something that can be applied to any project.
Rajesh Balakrishnan is a Project Director at Linxon UK, with over 15 years of experience within the energy and infrastructure sectors as a Chartered Project Professional. He is known for delivering high-value, complex projects such as London Power Tunnel 2 and Viking Link.
As a Project Director at Linxon, I believe that being effective in my role requires a unique blend of technical know-how and people skills. It’s all about inspiring and leading teams towards a common goal while fostering a collaborative environment. Strong communication, adaptability, and proactive problem-solving are key to navigating complexities, making decisive choices, and maintaining momentum towards our project goals. Creating a supportive, team-oriented culture is essential, as it encourages ownership and proactive problem-solving, driving continuous improvement and project success.
“I prioritize comprehensive planning, maintaining a risk register, and creating a culture of accountability from the start. Regular, focused meetings ensure my team stays aligned, and using tools like BIM and OpenSpace enhances safety, efficiency, and transparency.” —Rajesh Balakrishnan, Linxon Europe
Throughout my career, I’ve faced several challenges, such as managing resource constraints, handling unexpected scope changes, and balancing stakeholder expectations. It’s a balancing act, and addressing resource limitations often involves prioritizing transparency with the team and stakeholders, exploring creative alternatives, or re-prioritizing tasks. By focusing on early identification of changes, I’ve been able to negotiate and realign the project plan before any delays or impacts accumulate. Strong communication channels are crucial in keeping everyone aligned, especially when balancing multiple expectations.
For me, project management is about enhancing project outcomes and driving operational excellence. Success in this approach is grounded in strategic leadership, fostering collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to safety, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.
