Energy group OVO has appointed former Sainsbury’s boss Justin King as its new chairman.
King takes up the non-executive role at Britain’s fourth biggest supplier in March after current chair Stephen Murphy steps down after nine years.
The 62 year old is one of Britain’s most respected retailers and has also worked at M&S, Asda, Haagen-Dazs, PepsiCo and Mars.
The move follows the hiring of former Ofgem executive Mary Starks as vice president of regulation, risk and policy last week.
Murphy said: ‘I am delighted to welcome Justin as Chair of OVO as the business grows into its roleas the leader of the UK’s home decarbonisation challenge.
“His focus on the customer and his inherent understanding of UK retail are the perfect fit for this era of the company’s development. I wish him the very best of luck and step down with incredibly fond memories of my time in the role.”
Justin King said: “OVO is a dynamic, driven energy business with a decarbonisation mission that is critical for UK households. From our very first conversations, their ambitions for theUK market were clear; deliver for customers and serve them well whilerevolutionising what it means to be an energy supplier, including furtherexpansion into home technologies and EVs. I’m delighted to support that aim.”
Stephen Fitzpatrick, Founder of OVO, said: “OVO beganlife as a company with an obsession to make energy cheaper, greener and simpler for consumers. More than a decade later this mission has never been more important as we rewire the energy system to support the needs of Britishfamilies. We started this company as pioneers and we are proud to havedisrupted the market for good.
“Throughout Justin’s impressive career he has led companies in a diverse range of industries but has always maintained his role as a business leader that fightstirelessly for his customers. I k
