On the Move: Elexon chief executive steps down

In our latest round-up of recent industry appointments, Elexon chief executive Mark Bygraves has stepped down after seven years in the role. Elsewhere, the Association for Decentralised Energy (ADE) has appointed its first ever female chief executive and Ofwat has unveiled its new director of Wales.

Elexon

Mark Bygraves, who has served as the chief executive of Balancing and Settlement Code (BSC) administrator Elexon for the past seven years, has stepped down to focus on other opportunities outside of the company.

Sara Vaughan, a non-executive director and former political and regulatory affairs director at Eon UK, is taking the role of interim chief executive until a replacement is appointed.

During Bygraves’ tenure Elexon established and  delivered the settlement process for Contracts for Difference generators and the Capacity Market regime. In April 2021, Ofgem appointed Elexon to facilitate the industry-led programme to deliver market-wide half-hourly settlement.

Michael Gibbons, chair of Elexon and of the BSC Panel, said: “Mark maintained a firm grip on the many policy and operational issues that we manage, and he built good relationships with so many of our stakeholders, including the BSC Panel. On behalf of the board, the panel, and everyone at Elexon, I wish Mark success in the next phase of his career.

“I am very pleased to welcome Sara into the chief executive role. She has been an Elexon board member since 2019 and with her vast experience in the energy sector she will ensure that Elexon maintains continuity, consistency and the high standards of performance for customers for which it is known.”

Association for Decentralised Energy (ADE)

Elsewhere, the Association for Decentralised Energy (ADE) has announced the appointment of its first ever female chief executive.

Lily Frencham, who is currently head of operations, will take over from Ian Calvert when he retires at the end of 2021.

Frencham joined the ADE from Ofgem, where she led the policy and communications team of the domestic Renewable Heat Incentive scheme.

Prior to her time at the energy regulator, she was employed at the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, working with stakeholders in the Pacific Islands to help develop their understanding of climate science and adaptation.

Responding to her new role, Frencham said: “There has never been a more important or exciting time to be involved in the energy industry and I’m thrilled to lead the Association into our next chapter.

“It has been a pleasure to work with and for the ADE’s members over the last four years as we have together demonstrated the clear role for decentralised energy in the UK’s net zero future, and I look forward to continuing to build on the ADE’s rich history and talented team as we move forward.”

The outgoing chief executive said: “I am proud of what we have achieved during my tenure at the ADE. During the last two years, despite the difficulties posed by Covid, we have significantly ramped up our engagement with both government and members.

“I have enjoyed leading the organisation and the team and I am confident that with Lily at the helm, the ADE will play an ever-growing role in the low carbon energy sector during this time of great change.”

Ofwat

Water regulator Ofwat has announced the appointment of Gwenllian Roberts as its new director of Wales.

As part of her newly-created role, Roberts will lead Ofwat’s Welsh office alongside the delivery of the 2024 price review in Wales.

As well as building strong relationships and collaborating across Ofwat and partner organisations, she will lead delivery of the regulator’s regulatory work in Wales, focusing on environmental issues as well as engagement on the Welsh government’s new strategic policy statement .

Roberts was previously chief regional officer for the Welsh government in North Wales where she championed a collaborative approach to regional economic development and led on major low-carbon energy investments.

Prior to that, she was the deputy director of energy and steel in Wales working across the Welsh government and closely with the UK government, industry, regulators, and other key bodies.

Roberts has more than two decades of experience in energy, environment, sustainable development and regional economic development across both the private and public sectors.

Roberts said: “Water is one of Wales’ most important natural assets and an integral part of our culture, heritage and national identity so I’m delighted to be joining Ofwat at such a vital time for the water industry in Wales.

“Improving environmental performance and ensuring customers are at the heart of the sector will be hugely important and I can’t wait to bring people together to work on these important aims.”

Senior director, John Russell, said: “This newly created role shows our commitment to Wales. It is vital that we continue to build strong relationships with communities and leaders to ensure Welsh legislation and policy is reflected in our regulatory approach.

“Gwenllian’s experience of working on environmental issues will ensure the water industry continues to make progress on such pressing issues.”

Viridor

Finally, Eon UK board member Michael French has stepped down from the company after more than a decade.

French spent 14 years in total at Eon, joining in 2007 as vice president of marketing and sales in Germany and eventually becoming chief operating officer for residential and SME in 2020.

He is joining recycling, renewable energy and waste management company Viridor as its chief commercial officer.

Commenting on his departure from Eon on LinkedIn, French said: “Over the last decade Eon has not just adapted to the changes in the energy market but driven them. From building offshore wind to moving away from fossil fuel generation, it has been a fantastic journey leading the charge.

“The courage and foresight to change is enabled by a caring culture that looks after people, and from that I have learned so much.”