Independent energy supplier Co-operative Energy has named David Bird as its new chief executive.
Bird will join the firm from rival supplier E.on, where he was heading up its UK residential and metering business.
The supplier said it had made the decision to appoint Bird following a “comprehensive process” with the aim of strengthening its management team which includes Co-op Energy general manager Ramsay Dunning.
Bird said he was delighted to join the firm “on the next stage of its journey”.
“The opportunity to create something different to the rest of the energy market, underpinned by a core set of values, is incredibly appealing, as is working with the other businesses under the [Co-operative] Midcounties umbrella,” he added.
Meanwhile Ben Reid, group chief executive of Midcounties Co-operative, paid testament to the “outstanding growth” the supplier had seen in recent years, growing its customer base to more than 400,000.
“It is clear we need to strengthen our team and increase our capacity for further growth. We are therefore very pleased to have been able to attract such a high calibre industry expert such as David Bird to this new post.
“He brings with him a wealth of energy industry experience and we are convinced that his values align closely with those of Co-operative Energy. We are confident that with David at the helm, Co-operative Energy will go from strength to strength,” Reid said.
Before joining E.on Bird had also held roles at National Express, Vodafone, Homebase, BUPA and Marks and Spencer.