On the Move: MOSL appoints FD; Wales & West reveals COO

Wales & West Utilities has appointed Rob Long as chief operating officer.

Long has worked for the company for over 12 years, most recently as director of operations. In his expanded role he will be responsible for all the company’s operations: overseeing the gas emergency service, connecting new homes and upgrading the gas network.

The move comes shortly after the company announced an £80 million investment in the local gas network for 2020. This investment forms part of the work to make sure the gas network is ready for green gasses, such as biomethane and hydrogen.

Long will report directly into chief executive Graham Edwards, who said: “This is a critical time for the energy sector and Rob will play a key role as we evolve our business to face the challenges of the future. It’s our ambition to help communities and the environment across Wales and south west England thrive by delivering reliable, affordable and sustainable energy long into the future.”

Long added: “I’m really excited to be moving to this new role at a time of unprecedented change in the energy industry. I’ll be focussed on delivering outstanding service for the 7.5 million people our gas network serves, particularly the most vulnerable, as well as preparing the gas network for the future.”

Last week, Utility Week revealed that regulation and commercial director Steve Edwards was to leave Wales & West after a career which spanned the gas distribution company’s lifetime.

Meanwhile, MOSL, the market operator for water retail, has appointed Thames Water’s Steve Formoy as finance director.

Formoy has spent the past five years at Thames, latterly as finance director for operations, covering all of Thames’ frontline operational activity and capital maintenance programmes. He previously headed up Thames’ Wholesale Market Services unit, delivering interface services between the company and the non-household retail market, through the first year of operation. Prior to joining the water sector he spent 20 years with PwC.

He replaces Andrew Stoneman, who has been interim finance director since last July.

MOSL chief executive Sarah McMath said “I am confident that Steve’s experience driving high quality strategic planning and in developing and motivating high performing teams will be a huge asset to MOSL, particularly as we begin the detailed work on our strategy and three-year business planning. Steve’s innate ability to build effective and trusted relationships will also support us as we continue to drive collaboration and innovation in the water retail market.”