An energy trade body representing large and small businesses across the East of England has appointed a new executive chairman.
Former East Coast College alumni Kevin Keable - who now heads up the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR) - has spent 30 years in the industry.
He has worked across the world including in Singapore, Thailand, Australia and Norway and is a former owner-director of online learning company Oilennium which has delivered courses to more than 100,000 people worldwide in different languages.
He built the business up over 10 years before selling it to Petrofac in 2012.
In his new role at EEEGR, he will play a pivotal role in shaping the organisation's future using his extensive industry knowledge, global network and track record of innovation, the organisation said.
He is "well-positioned" to lead EEEGR in advancing the East of England’s energy sector and "pushing the boundaries of possibility", it added.
Mr Keable, one of EEEGR's original members, said he knew the value the organisation could bring to the supply chain and was "fully invested" in shaping its future.
"Alongside championing the region’s industry, as an ex-Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) and East Coast College apprentice, I will focus on skills development as an absolute priority,” he added.
EEEGR general manager Robert Bush said he was delighted to welcome Mr Keable to his new role.
"Not only does he bring a wealth of experience to the role, but also a deep understanding of the positive impact EEEGR can have on businesses, the supply chain and the region as a whole. I’m looking forward to working with him to drive EEEGR into its next era,” he said.
Victoria Mant, commercial director at renewable energy trade association RenewableUK, said she was "thrilled" at his appointment.
"With his history in the region and expertise in the sector he will bring a new energy and different perspective to the role, which I look forward to working with him on, and the rest of the team, for the remainder of 2023 and 2024. Exciting times for the East of England ahead," she said.
Mr Keable succeeds Martin Dronfield, who took on the role in 2020.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here