Julian Critchlow has been appointed as the new Chair of the Board of Directors for Guernsey Electricity Limited.
His appointment was effective from 12 August, when he replaced Peter Shaefer, who retired after seven years with the company, three of which were as Chair.
Mr Critchlow has more than 40 years’ experience within the energy industry, with previous roles including Director General for Energy Transformation and Clean Growth at the UK Department of Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and head of Bain & Company’s Global Utilities & Alternative Energy Practice.
The position is a paid role, with the States Trading and Supervisory Board deciding the “remuneration value”. The current pay level is £19,587 per annum.
GEL has confirmed the position was advertised locally, and attracted applications from both local and UK-based candidates, five of whom were selected for interviews.
The interview panel comprised Guernsey Electricity’s Non-Executive Directors and a representative from STSB.
Following the assessment process, Mr Critchlow was identified as the strongest candidate for the role, with STSB submitting his proposed appointment to the States, where it was approved in February.
Alan Bates, GEL Chief Executive Officer said: “I am delighted that Julian has joined as Chair. He brings a wealth of industry experience both in the UK and internationally and I look forward to working closely with him on our key business priorities.”
The company said its focus under its new leadership will be on keeping costs low for customers while delivering a secure supply of low-carbon electricity for the island.
Mr Critchlow added: “I am excited to be taking over as Chair of the Board of Directors at such a pivotal time for the business.”
He continued: “My focus will be on ensuring we maintain costs as low as possible for our customers as they feel the impact of wider cost of living pressures, whilst also delivering a secure supply of low carbon electricity for Guernsey, as such a beautiful and historic Island deserves.”
He’s replacing the retiring Mr Shaefer, who said: “Over the last seven years it has been a privilege to be part of the Guernsey Electricity team, keeping the lights on and shielding the community, as much as possible, from the recent erratic pricing of the global energy market.”
He concluded: “The recent tariff increases have allowed the business to start catching up on long overdue critical infrastructure investment. Under the STSB’s zero dividend policy, any profits made continue to be reinvested into the business.”