Yorkshire’s Switch2 Energy, which is the UK’s largest specialist community and district heating business, has made a trio of senior appointments to support its ambitious growth plans.
Richard Slee has joined the company as CEO – with a mission to maximise Switch2’s market-leading position as the dominant force in UK heat networks. The company’s UK headquarters and design and manufacturing facility are located next to Salts Mill in Saltaire.
Chris Kingston has also joined the business as Operations Director, while Simon Waite is the new Financial Director. They will work alongside existing Business Development Director Kirsty Lambert and the established management team to drive a significant five-year expansion plan.
Most recently, Richard Slee led the business turnaround of Adare SEC as its CEO. He was previously European President for global technology giant Premier Farnell – responsible for business transformation, strategy and multi-channel sales across western and eastern Europe and North Africa.
Chartered engineer Christopher Kingston has 30-years experience as a utilities specialist. He is a former operations director for Morrison Utility Services and held senior roles at Northern Gas Networks, EON, New Connections and Alfred McAlpine Group plc.
Simon Waite joins Switch2 from ACM, where he was Vice President, Finance for Europe and Asia. Prior to that he was Vice President, Finance at PACE International.
The new senior leadership team will build on Switch2’s successful 35-year track record as an end-to-end solutions provider to the heat network industry. The sector is poised for rapid growth – driven by government policies to decarbonise heat and provide affordable energy for consumers.
Commenting on his new role, CEO Richard Slee said: “Switch2 Energy has an excellent reputation as a trusted provider to the UK district and community heating industry. I look forward to leading an expanded senior leadership team with the experience and focus to capitalise on exciting growth opportunities in the market.”
Switch2 Energy supplies 70,000 residents and 180 clients across 500 heat networks.
