– UK – Utilitywise plc (AIM:UTW), a leading independent utility cost management consultancy, today announces that Jon Kempster, Chief Financial Officer, has decided to step down from the Board and leave the Group to pursue other career opportunities. Jon has made a significant contribution to the strengthening of the day-to-day finance function of Utilitywise, creating a strong team to support the Group’s growth, and the Board wishes him well in the future.
The Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Laker as Chief Financial Officer and a Director of the Company. Richard joins Utilitywise from Augean plc where, in his role as Group Finance Director, he helped oversee the implementation of a new strategy, delivering double-digit annual growth in profit, operating cash flow and ROCE. Richard was previously at Northgate plc, where he held a number of senior finance roles between 2004 and 2014 including Group Financial Controller and, most recently, UK Finance Director. Prior to joining Northgate plc, Richard was at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP where he qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2001. Richard’s start date will be confirmed in a further announcement, until such time Jon will remain with the Group to ensure an orderly succession.
Simon Waugh has also been appointed to the Board, as Non-Executive Director and the Senior Independent Director, with effect from 1 November 2016. Simon has extensive experience in senior leadership roles, including seven years between 1997 and 2004 on the executive committee at Centrica plc as Sales & Marketing Director, helping transform British Gas into an international business with a market capitalisation of more than £10 billion. He was also Chief Executive Officer, Centrica Financial Services, in the early part of his tenure, before later becoming Deputy Managing Director, British Gas.
Jon Kempster is also standing down as Company Secretary with effect from 1 November 2016. Julianne McCorry, currently Assistant Company Secretary, has been appointed Company Secretary with effect from that date. Julianne is a Chartered Secretary (FCIS) and has had an extensive career in both the UK and France, holding a number of senior posts including Assistant Company Secretary of Unilever plc.
Geoff Thompson, Executive Chairman of Utilitywise, commented: “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Jon for his significant contribution to the Group and I wish him all the best in the next chapter of his career.
“At the same time, I look forward to welcoming to the Board Richard Laker as our new CFO and Simon Waugh as Non-Executive Director and SID. Richard has an exceptional track record, having supported the development of two fast-growing plcs, and I have no doubt he will continue in a similar vein at Utilitywise. Simon’s CV speaks for itself and it is testament to how far the Group has come since listing that we’re able to attract someone of his calibre.
“With Richard and Simon joining, and further to the recent appointment of Brendan Flattery as our new CEO on the 1st of October, I am confident that we have the right management team in place to lead the Group through this next exciting stage in its development.”
Brendan Flattery, CEO of Utilitywise, said: “Utilitywise is a fast-growing and ambitious company and Richard and Simon each possess the right mix of skills and experience to help it thrive. I look forward to working closely with them both as we continue to develop our market leading procurement and energy services businesses.”
About Utilitywise
Utilitywise is a leading independent utility cost management and services consultancy based in Newcastle. The Group has established trading relationships with a number of major UK and European energy suppliers and provides services to its customers designed to assist them in achieving better value out of their energy contracts, reduced energy consumption and lower carbon footprint.
For more information : www.utilitywise.com
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