Berry, who is chairman of international engineering group The Weir Group, has previously held chairman roles at Senior, Drax Group, EAGA and Thus Group.
As of today (31 October) he will join the board of the British Gas parent company as a non-executive director and will become chairman on 21 February next year. He succeeds Rick Haythornthwaite who announced in May this year his intention to step down during the course of the next 12 months, after serving approximately six years.
Berry has also held executive roles at Scottish Power and has held several roles at Pilkington where he started his career as an engineer.
Speaking of his appointment, Berry said: “It is a privilege to join the board of Centrica and follow Rick as chairman. I have admired Centrica for many years and now look forward to working with the board and executive team.”
Outgoing chairman Haythornthwaite added: “I am delighted to welcome Charles to Centrica as my successor as chairman.
“Charles’s breadth of international energy and engineering knowledge and a long track record of successful leadership of businesses across industrial, minerals, and retail sectors over the last 20 years, stand him in an excellent position to succeed me and lead the Centrica board.
“Charles also has extensive experience in both the UK and US of the regulatory framework of the energy and service markets.”
Iain Conn, Centrica’s group chief executive, said: “The markets in which we operate have been very challenging in the last few years, and we have worked hard to reposition and strengthen the group as the landscape for energy and services continues to change.
“Charles brings extensive experience and leadership to the board, and the support and challenge necessary for us to be successful in this next phase.
“I would also like to thank Rick for his considerable leadership, guidance and support in what has been a very important period for Centrica both strategically and operationally.”