• Swindon & Wiltshire Appointments
• Tuesday January 9 2024
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Former Ofgem executive Mary Starks to join Bristol-based OVO

A former executive at energy regulator Ofgem is joining Bristol-based utilities firm OVO Energy as its vice president for regulation, risk and policy.

Mary Sparks will spearhead OVO’s drive to shape the future of energy to be fairer, greener and simpler for consumers and support the decarbonisation of UK households.

Mary is a former partner in the competition and regulation practice at political risk consultancy Flint Global, and was previously executive director for consumers and markets at Ofgem, leading the watchdog’s work on retail markets, innovation, vulnerable consumers and enforcement.

Prior to her time at Ofgem, Mary was the director of competition and chief economist at the Financial Conduct Authority and was also a senior director at the Office of Fair Trading – now the Competition and Markets Authority.

Raman Bhatia, CEO of OVO, said: “I am thrilled to welcome Mary on board. Her unparalleled experience in delivering better outcomes for consumers as we transition to net zero will be essential to support OVO’s mission to decarbonise millions of homes across the UK.”

Mary said: “The next few years are vital – a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create the framework for a sustainable market delivering affordable, green energy to UK households.

“I’m excited to join OVO – a customer-centric energy supplier committed to helping people on their path to zero. We have a lot to offer in shaping future policy and regulation.”

Mary joins the OVO team in mid-January.