Further to the Proposed Board Changes announcement of 19 April 2016, Utilitywise plc, a leading independent utility cost management consultancy, announces the appointment of Brendan Flattery as Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 October 2016.

Brendan joins Utilitywise from integrated accounting, payroll and payment systems market leader, The Sage Group plc (“Sage“), where, as President, Europe, he was responsible for leading a 7,000-person business unit operating across 11 countries which generated annual revenues of circa £800 million from a customer base of more than two million. Former roles during his thirteen years at Sage included CEO, UK & Ireland, and Managing Director, Small Business and Mid-Market Divisions.

Prior to joining Sage, Brendan held senior positions at a number of businesses, including Yates Group plc, Intercare plc and Park Group plc.

As previously announced, Geoff Thompson, founder and current CEO of Utilitywise, will become Executive Chairman. Richard Feigen, who has chaired the Group since flotation in 2012, will remain on the Board as a Non-Executive Director.

Commenting on the announcement, Geoff Thompson, incoming Executive Chairman, said:

“Brendan has been the outstanding candidate from the outset and I’m delighted we have secured someone of his calibre to guide Utilitywise through its next phase of development. He brings with him significant experience of scaling up a leading, global enterprise-facing business and has an impressive track record of driving growth through innovation, which fits well with the culture we have forged at Utilitywise.

“I look forward to working with Brendan in my new role as Executive Chairman, which will enable me to focus on Group strategy and key client relationships whilst remaining firmly involved in the business.”

Brendan Flattery, incoming CEO, commented:

“This is an exciting time in the evolution of the Group. Although it has already made significant progress in building out its market leading procurement and energy services businesses, there remains considerable potential to generate further substantial growth across the Group. I very much look forward to working with the very strong executive team to realise that potential.”