On the Move: Kaluza reshapes top team

This week Kaluza, Ovo Group’s technology platform, has announced three new senior team members with decades of experience between them. Challenger brand Together Energy has also announced a new board member, as has Co-op Midcounties.

Utility Week takes a look at some of the industry’s key appointments.

Kaluza

Three new senior team members have joined Ovo Group’s technology platform Kaluza.

Dinika Mahtani, who has previously worked as UK general manager at Uber’s JUMP bikes, has joined as finance director.

Mahtani has an extensive career in finance, and was a founding member of Uber’s finance division in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, after more than five years in investment banking across the global energy and technology sectors.

Yolanda Martin, who previously worked at the fashion industry technology platform Fartech, joins Kaluza as platform ecosystem director. Martin has more than 20 years of experience specialising in platform service design, visual art direction and user experience implementation strategies for companies including Banco Santander and Hearst Magazines International.

Meanwhile, the previous director of insights at the World Energy Council, Marzia Zafar, takes up the position of head of customer policy and strategy. Zafar has spent 20 years working on policies and strategies to enable the energy transition for regulators, businesses and not for profit sectors across the world. This includes ten years in California helping legitimise ride sharing companies Uber and Lyft.

Sara Wood, Kaluza’s chief executive, said: “Combining expertise across energy and technology will be key in tackling the complex challenge of reaching net zero. Intelligent technologies that empower customers to save money and carbon play a critical role in reshaping the industry for a sustainable future.

“I am delighted to welcome Dinika, Yolanda, and Marzia to Kaluza, each bringing with them a wealth of diverse experience that will further propel the business in its mission towards a greener, intelligent energy system.”

Together Energy

Glasgow-based energy retailer Together Energy has appointed Vincent Goldie as its chief financial officer.

Goldie has more than 20 years’ experience in financial services and was formerly head of finance and part of the start-up team for motor insurance broker, Sure Thing.

A qualified accountant, prior to that he worked for AXA and Kwik-Fit Insurance.

Speaking of his appointment, Goldie said: “Throughout the whole recruitment process I knew I wanted to be part of the team here as everyone was so welcoming and I could see the huge potential for the company, and given my start-up experience the role is an excellent fit. I also love what the company stands for in terms of its morals and ethics.”

Paul Richards, chief executive of Together Energy, said: “It’s been a wild 12 months in the sector.  We have ambitious plans and Vincent’s start-up experience will be invaluable to helping us manage our growth and deliver our first-year profitability. I am really excited about having Vincent in the team and working alongside Warrington Borough Council on the board.”

Co-op Midcounties

Co-op Midcounties says it is creating a new Utilities Group by integrating its Phone Co-op service with its energy offering. The company has announced Lizzie Hieron will become the new chief operating officer of its utilities business groups.

Hieron, who will take up her role in July this year, will join from her current role as managing director of Social Energy which provides social solutions to energy supply through smart and battery technology.

In her new role, Hieron will lead the utilities operations for Midcounties with an objective to develop the various propositions through the provision of Co-op products and services. She will take on the leading role in promoting the Co-op brand in essential home services.

Phil Ponsonby, Midcounties’ group chief executive, said: “Lizzie joins the society with a track record of innovative achievement and a consistent focus on customer experience.

“The appointment of Lizzie will enable us to integrate our energy offer with our Phone Co-op services to create a new Utilities Group, providing enhanced opportunities for us to fulfil our members’ everyday needs in a sustainable way.”

Lizzie Hieron said: “I am delighted to be joining Midcounties at a time where innovation in energy service is essential to ensure we transform the energy landscape and bring about positive change for our planet.

“The society has the unique ability to integrate both telecoms and energy to deliver enhanced home services, underpinned by deep rooted member values.

“I look forward to helping Midcounties deliver sustainable benefits to both our members and the community.”