Skip to main content

PowerSpot: Robert Zalinski

Published Date
Author Christian Sebastian

This is PowerSpot, Plug Power’s blog series where we highlight the Plug Power employees who inspire us and, we hope, will inspire you, too. Today, we’re hearing from Robert Zalinski, Plug Power’s Director of European Services, in conjunction with last week’s announcement that Plug has selected Germany’s Port of Duisburg as the location of its European headquarters.

Robert, please explain what you do for a living in 20 words or fewer.

I am working to build a reliable Service organization for Plug Power in Europe to provide best-in-class service over the company’s complete hydrogen ecosystem offering.

What is one of the most extraordinary or unusual experiences you’ve had in your career?

In my time as Regional Service Manager in 2016 with Plug Power, I was traveling to South Africa to repair a fuel cell for a Cape Town University project in Johannesburg. In addition, I was asked to stay for a demonstration of the unit. In the end, it was the official launch of hydrogen technology in South Africa. Participants at the event, among others, were the Science Minister of South Africa and also the Governor of Region Gauteng. I was invited to some presentations and meetings with South African politicians asking a lot of questions about our fuel cell technology. This event was arranged under sunny, blue skies and white pavilions.

What excites you most about building the green hydrogen ecosystem?

Most exciting is the speed the industry is growing, the feedback of the market and global commitments of several governments to hydrogen. Within Plug Power, the strategy to be one of the biggest global players and the team spirit aiming for the common goal are especially exciting.

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to? Why?

Honestly, I have no idea! Not everything was good in the past and I didn’t do everything right, but I’m happy with the present and where I am and I am happy to look into the future with my current perspective. I don’t want to waste time traveling back and forth, as time is too useful to build the green hydrogen ecosystem.

Do you have a life philosophy? If so, what is it?

Do your best, wherever you are, with what you have – and keep smiling!

If you could share a meal with any four individuals, living or dead, who would they be?

Arnold Schwarzenegger, my Dad, Freddie Mercury and Caroline Kebekus (German comedian)
Arnold and Freddie showed that hard work, believing in themselves, although they weren’t mainstream, is the key to reach the top. As my Dad is a big Queen fan and showed me the right path, he should sit at this table with me. I love Caroline’s humor and having fun while doing things you like is important to enjoy, especially if sometimes things get stressful.

Thank you, Robert, for the important work you’re doing in Europe helping Plug put hydrogen to work!

The post PowerSpot: Robert Zalinski appeared first on Plug Power.