Ofgem’s former executive director of consumers and markets has joined energy retailer Ovo as its new VP of regulation, risk and policy.
Mary Starks left the regulator in 2020 amid a restructure of its leadership team.
She joined Ofgem in September 2018 after previously serving as the director of competition and chief economist at the Financial Conduct Authority and was also a senior director at the Office of Fair Trading (now the CMA).
Most recently she worked as a partner in the competition and regulation practice at Flint Global.
“At Ovo, Mary will play a critical role in defining the future energy market, with a specific focus on campaigning for a fairer, greener and more progressive market that works for all consumers,” Ovo said in a statement.
Commenting on the appointment, Raman Bhatia, Ovo chief executive, said: “I am thrilled to welcome Mary on board. Her unparalleled experience in delivering better outcomes for consumers as we transition to net zero will be essential to support Ovo’s mission to decarbonise millions of homes across the UK.”
Starks commented: “The next few years are vital – a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create the framework for a sustainable market delivering affordable, green energy to UK households.
“I’m excited to join Ovo – a customer-centric energy supplier committed to helping people on their path to zero. We have a lot to offer in shaping future policy and regulation.”
She will begin her new role in mid-January.