John Best, the founder and face of EEEGR (the East of England Energy Group), is to stand down as chief executive after 11 years to take on a new job.
He will move to an executive management position as Head of Sustainable Energy,UKwith Norfolk-based Fendercare Marine.
EEEGR chairman Alan Barlow said Mr Best will leave a superb legacy and the board wish him every success in the new role. “He will be exceedingly difficult to replace with his energy and commitment to the energy sector and the region.”
Mr Best told the group’s elected directors of his decision earlier this month and said that being chief executive from day one of EEEGR proved an exciting and privileged position.
“We’ve secured significant profile and success, producing growth as well as substantial value for the regional energy supply chain. None of this could have been achieved without massive support from a whole range of individuals and organisations, for which I will always be grateful.
“One particular moment which will remain with me forever was last year’s reception in the House of Commons as we were praised by Charles Hendry, Energy Minister, for our work in presenting the region through one single voice. It gave me a sense of a 10-year overnight success!” said Mr Best.
EEEGR is a vibrant energy association with rising membership of more than 360 members. It was recently involved in winning Enterprise Zone status forLowestoftand Great Yarmouth and in Government designation of the area as a Centre for Renewable Offshore Engineering. It is also an active partner in the inward investment initiative NSEA (Norfolkand Suffolk Energy Alliance) while its Skills for Energy Programme was cited by Government as the exemplar for what other regions should be doing.
‘With the recent securing of significant ERDF* funding for the future, I am leaving EEEGR in a very strong position,” he added.
Martin Dronfield, Fendercare Marine Group business development director , said: “With John’s track record of success in leading EEEGR to greater and greater things it’s not hard to see why we were so keen to get our man.
“Fendercare Marine is one of the best kept secret success stories in the eastern region. We employ nearly 150 local people in and around our Seething office and we generate tens of millions of pounds for the local economy.”
EEEGR board director and former chairman Mark Goodall said: “The board is very grateful to John for his relentless enthusiasm and persistence. He leaves the organisation on a very healthy and sound footing and well prepared to support the growing membership with the exciting opportunities that are beckoning for the region’s energy industry.”
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Offshore WIND staff, January 23, 2012