The Sustainable Energy Association (SEA) is pleased to announce that Lesley Rudd has taken over as chief executive from Dave Sowden, who has now returned to work part time following a period of recovery from illness.
Dave will continue to work as a strategic adviser to the SEA, and has also been appointed as non-executive chairman of Ecuity Consulting LLP.
Commenting on her appointment, Lesley said: “I am delighted to take up the role as Chief Executive of the Sustainable Energy Association (SEA) having campaigned for better energy policy over many years.
“It is an exciting time for the SEA, we are moving forward with policy ideas and growing our membership. Our housing provider members, for example, provide new opportunities and a new perspective. I welcome the opportunity to help the sustainable energy industry shape policies that highlight the importance of our homes and buildings in improving the nation’s health, reducing energy bills, increasing industrial competitiveness and protecting the environment for future generations. It is a real pleasure to be chief executive of a forward thinking organisation that has values that I strongly believe in and that operates in a collaborative, solution focused way.”
Lesley Rudd draws on 30 years’ experience in the energy industry. She has worked on a range of energy policy issues, from upstream to downstream and in a number of countries. Positions Lesley has held include: Government and stakeholder relations manager, trading manager, commercial manager, and communications manager at BG Group; public affairs manager at Microgen; and commercial negotiator, commercial manager, customer service manager and audit manager at British Gas.
The Association says Lesley’s commercial background, together with her experience of working with regulators and Governments to shape energy policy, gives her an understanding and focus on developing practical policy solutions. She has a track record of leading successful campaigns for policy and regularity changes. Lesley has a degree in Business Studies with Politics, is an accountant (CIMA accredited) and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.
