Centrica executive Catherine O’Kelly is to take the helm at Bord Gáis Energy in September. She replaces Dave Kirwan, who will become managing director of customer operations at its UK parent company, Centrica.
Bord Gáis Energy supplies natural gas and electricity to consumers and businesses around the Republic of Ireland. Centrica bought the former Irish State company three years ago.
O’Kelly joins Bord Gáis from Centrica UK, where she led changes including the introduction of smart meters, in her roles as chief of staff and director of industry development.
In December 2017 Centrica announced that as of the end of January this year, Kirwan would replace Clare Miles as managing director of Centrica Customer Operations, as she would become managing director of its Connected Home business.
Kirwan joined Centrica as part of the Bord Gáis Energy acquisition, and has held senior management roles at Bord Gáis for 18 years. He was responsible for the launch of its Northern Ireland business, Firmus Energy, the development of the Whitegate power station and the acquisition and subsequent merger of the SWS wind business.
Mark Hodges, CEO of Centrica Consumer, said at the time: “I’m delighted to welcome Dave Kirwan to the UK team, who is another deeply experienced and capable business leader with a customer-focused approach.”
As part of this week’s announcement, the group said it has appointed Mark Prentice as acting managing director of Bord Gáis until O’Kelly takes up the reins in September.