On the move: Energy Savings Trust appoints new CEO

Philip Sellwood will step down and retire as chief executive of Energy Saving Trust (EST) in March next year after 16 years at the helm.

He will be succeeded by the company’s group director of operations, Mike Thornton.

Thornton spent seven years in the private sector in software development management with what is now Nestle in York, before joining Friends of the Earth Scotland for three years as their development co-ordinator.

He then became the first director at LEEP (now Changeworks), a regional NGO working on energy efficiency, transport and recycling.

He joined EST as head of the Scottish team in 2002.

Sellwood has been described by EST as “instrumental” in both scaling and shaping its business model. His notable achievements during his tenure include setting up Warmworks, EST’s first joint venture, to deliver the Scottish Government’s flagship national fuel poverty scheme, Warmer Homes Scotland.

Other achievements include the expansion into Europe, leading a variety of EU-funded projects and presiding over a “very significant growth” in transport programmes, with EST’s portfolio in this area now including active travel, sustainable transport advice, fleet consultancy, electric vehicles and their charging infrastructure and eBikes.

Speaking about his retirement, Sellwood said: “As the debate and ideas for new policies to help reach net zero increase, there isn’t a more decisive time to act. It is for this reason that I am delighted to be handing over the reins to Mike Thornton, who brings with him strong leadership skills, knowledge and experience.

“He will play a crucial role in leading the organisation’s next phase of growth and shaping a wider policy environment that will impact how the UK will contribute to minimising climate change. It’s a hugely exciting and rewarding role, and I wish Mike every success.”

Electricity North West

Elsewhere in the sector, Electricity North West (ENW) has announced the appointment of Todd Holden as chair of its newly reformed sustainability panel.

ENW’s sustainability panel helps provide the business with advice and support on both current and future policies.

The new chair is the director for low carbon at North West-based not for profit organisation The Growth Company. He has extensive background in resource efficiency issues and the development of low carbon services.

Holden, who also sits on the network operator’s independent customer engagement group,  will chair an experienced board which includes representatives from Carbon Co-op, Community Energy England, Cumbria Action for Sustainability, Lancaster University, Peak District National Park, Co-op, Arup and various local authorities.