On the Move: Electralink CEO departs

In Utility Week’s latest round-up of people moves across the sector, Electralink’s chief executive has left the company after a decade. Meanwhile, Ofwat’s strengthens its board and Jonathan Brearley takes on a new role.

Electralink’s chief executive Stuart Lacey has left the company after 10 years to pursue “a new challenge”.

As a result, director of data and transformation services, Dan Hopkinson, has been promoted to acting chief executive of the data transfer service (DTS) operator.

Electralink praised Lacey for leading the transformation of the business to an energy market data hub.

Lacey said: “I am leaving Electralink for a new challenge after 10 enjoyable years building a great team, growing the business and developing the capabilities that will ensure the company’s future for many years to come.

“Access to open data, expertise in managing huge energy market datasets and an understanding of relevant industry codes position Electralink as an important catalyst in the UK’s transition to carbon net zero – I wish the team the best of luck.”

Hopkinson joined the company in 2016 to focus on the development of the data transfer network into the DTS.  Prior to joining ElectraLink, he held senior operational management roles at both Siemens and G4S.

Ofwat

With Rachel Fletcher stepping down from her role as chief executive of the water regulator tomorrow (1 April) to be replaced on an interim basis by David Black, there has been a reshuffle of the board.

Lisa Commane, who leads Ofwat’s corporate services and is a member of Ofwat’s senior leadership team, will join the board effective from tomorrow.

Ofwat chair Jonson Cox said: “I’m delighted to welcome Lisa to the board.  She has made a major contribution to transforming Ofwat’s corporate services during her time with Ofwat and will contribute to a strong and effective board.

“I look forward to her contribution as we continue to push for transformational change in the sector and drive water companies to deliver the very best for customers, society and the environment.”

Commane said: “I’m very much looking forward to joining Ofwat’s Board and helping to improve life through water. Water companies have an important leadership role to play in their communities by providing excellent services and protecting our environment both now and in future – I look forward to making a difference here.”

UKRN

Ofgem chief executive Jonathan Brearley has taken on the same role at the UK Regulators’ Network.

He has been serving as interim chief executive since February after Rachel Fletcher announced she was leaving Ofwat to join Octopus Energy.

The UKRN CEO is rotated among the full members and, on their behalf, provides oversight and leadership of the body’s work.

Brearley has been at the helm of Ofgem since February 2020 having previously led its RIIO2 network price control programme and served as a member of the regulator’s governing board.

Southern Water

Katy Taylor is to join the water company in the newly-created role of chief customer officer.

Taylor, who is currently chief strategy and customer officer at public transport firm Go-Ahead, is expected to take up her new post in August.

Jamie Ford, the current director of customer and commercial services, leaves this month.

Southern Water chief executive Ian McAulay said: “Katy’s appointment is an opportunity to ensure we have the strongest possible focus on customer and developer services satisfaction, two critical measures of our performance. The remit for her role as chief customer officer has absolute focus on this critical area of our business where further improvements are still needed.”

Clancy

Specialist utilities contractor Clancy has appointed Ronan Clancy to its board in a new position of executive director for strategy and business development.

The role will see him join the third generation of the Clancy family now running the business, in a role that will focus on new market opportunities,

Ronan has worked within the business since 2010 – progressing through a number of operational management roles and in 2019 he moving to lead Clancy’s flagship alliance frameworks with Anglian Water.

Ronan’s father Dermot was joint-chairman until his tragic passing in 2019. His cousin, Matt Cannon, took over the business as chief executive in 2019 with his uncle Kevin Clancy as chairman.