BizzEnergy, the fast-growing business energy trading company, has appointed a new CFO and CTO in preparation for its ongoing UK expansion and its planned entry into the Dutch and French electricity markets as they de-regulate this year.
The two appointments boost a crack management team that includes Chairman John Devaney, former Executive Chairman of the Eastern Group, and Chief Executive Eddie Hyams, previously a government advisor on sustainable energy.
Former Gaz de France Head of Finance Gordon Hermiston, 32, joins BizzEnergy on 1st May 2002 as Chief Financial Officer. A Chartered Accountant with a reputation as a dynamic and original financial expert, Hermiston is credited with playing a pivotal role in developing Gaz de France from a £2m turnover business to a £200m super-player within four years. He previously worked for Moores Rowland (now BDO) both in the UK and Singapore.
Ken Marchant, 48, was appointed BizzEnergy's Chief Technical Officer on 1st April. As an independent consultant Ken was instrumental in BizzEnergy's extremely successful MRASCo market entry testing and implementation. His full-time appointment will focus on maintaining BizzEnergy's technological and systems leadership for the benefit of electricity buyers.
Ken previously worked for ICL in senior technical roles and as an Independent Consultant he managed projects for organisations including BT/Syntegra, The RAC, Transco and Siemens Business Services. As part of the Central Design and Integration Authority he was also instrumental in the UK electricity industry's technical preparations in the run-up to de-regulation.
Since its launch in 2000, BizzEnergy has become the second largest independent supplier of electricity in the UK, with a turnover of more than £30m. An innovative company based on Internet technology, BizzEnergy buys and sells electricity on the web, allowing business customers to obtain an instant quote and to set up direct debit payments online.
In a dynamic, fiercely competitive market, the firm's combination of web-based flexibility and keen prices typically means BizzEnergy offers savings of up to 30% - causing even the biggest energy providers to look to their laurels.
BizzEnergy began trading in the 'big business' Half Hourly business electricity market and went on to gain sub 100kW accreditation in September 2001, enabling it to make cost-cutting strides in the important SME sector.
Chief Executive Eddie Hyams said, "BizzEnergy has a refreshingly individual style and a fast, no-nonsense on-line quoting system that is really hitting the mark with business customers. Gordon and Ken will be helping us to adapt that formula for successful entry into the Dutch and French business energy markets as they liberalise this year - and from that platform we will be looking to achieve further growth."
