The appointment was widely expected following confirmation from the company last week that it was in talks with BP’s outgoing board director to replace Laidlaw as chief executive.
In a statement from Centrica, Conn said he is excited to join the company and tackle the challenge of consumer mistrust.
“I recognise the challenges which we face in rebuilding customer trust in the sector and helping to create an effective and sustainable approach to energy markets. I look forward to playing my part, along with all of Centrica’s people, in striving to achieve these goals,” he said.
Prior to the official announcement, Deutsche Bank analyst Martin Brough said the new chief executive could bring a renewed focus on consumer issues.
“His background includes upstream oil and gas, though he has more recently been heading BP’s downstream, customer facing businesses,” Brough said, adding that a customer focus could prove key to improving political and competitive prospects.
Centrica chairman Rick Haythornthwaite said: “His breadth of knowledge and commitment to customers and safety make him ideally suited to lead Centrica in the next phase of its development.”
The British Gas parent company has seen a flurry of high profile departures over recent weeks, including finance director Nick Luff and downstream managing director Chris Weston.