LONDON — Independent UK energy supplier Ovo, which has nearly five million customers, has appointed Simon Maine as its director of corporate affairs.

Maine joins the leadership team in the newly-created role from Brunswick, where he currently leads the power, renewables and new energy technologies practice. His client experience includes advising BP, Centrica, National Grid, Lightsource BP, NIO, JCB, Drax and the Energy Networks Association.

Before Brunswick, Maine was at energy-focused private equity firm Riverstone, where he worked on deals across energy sectors including E&P, midstream, energy services, power and alternative energy.

In his new role, which he starts in November, Maine will be responsible for public affairs, policy, media relations and sustainability, including coordinating corporate communications activity across the whole Ovo Group, including all its retail brands, international brands and the Kaluza technology brand.

Maine said: “The rest of the energy sector has been playing catch-up to OVO’s fresh thinking ever since it entered the market. I’ve long admired the business for how it combines a great customer brand with a deep-seated purpose to alter the course of climate change. Corporate affairs will play a critical role in connecting to the audiences who share these passions and will fuel OVO’s growth. I am delighted to be joining the team on the next stage in its journey.”

The appointment comes at the same time as a new CEO for the Ovo Energy and Smart Home brands, Ben Blake, who joins from Expedia.

Stephen Fitzpatrick, CEO and founder of Ovo said: “Both Ben and Simon are world class experts in their field and we’re delighted to welcome them to the team. Over the next 10 years as we digitise and decarbonise the energy sector, we have an enormous opportunity to make a global impact for customers and for the environment. Ben and Simon bring a wealth of expertise and will play a critical role in shaping Ovo’s future.”