Docherty has led the company since 2013 and will be moving to the position of chairman.
Smarter Grid Solutions said Kent brings significant experience in the technology sector to the role from his time as chief executive at both Datapoint and Vistorm, following a long executive-level career with HP and Compaq.
The company has primarily been operating in the UK market but has also recently entered the US market.
Docherty said Kent’s experience of building businesses will be invaluable expanding its US operations, adding: “Jim is a very talented and respected figure. His focus on growth and long-term value creation makes him the ideal chief executive for the next phase of our journey.”
Smarter Grid Solutions provides technology products that allow electricity networks to be managed more effectively by major utilities, through active network management, and enable the transition to smarter grids.