Centrica appoints former BP bigwig to board

Multinational energy and services company Centrica on Friday appointed Richard Hookway to its board as chief executive of Centrica Business from 1 December.

Hookway’s appointment follows the March announcement of the upcoming retirement of Mark Hanafin, who will remain in his role until the end of November and work on the role’s handover with Hookway throughout the month.

Iain Conn, group chief executive, said Hookway brings a "wealth of experience in customer-facing energy activities, including in energy marketing and trading and commodity risk management", also highlighting his knowledge of the UK, European and North American energy markets.

Hookway spent three and a half decades working at BP, most recently working as group chief operating officer for global business services and IT, and served in a number of senior commercial roles both in the UK and in North America including as head of the Natural Gas Liquids business based in Houston.

Over his career he has also held varied positions in exploration and production, petrochemicals and in group functions.

“I am excited to be joining Centrica at this interesting time as the energy sector continues to transform. Centrica Business is focused on meeting the changing needs of business customers across the globe as energy becomes more decentralised, cleaner and technologically driven. I look forward to working with Iain, the board and the Centrica Business team to lead the business through the next phase of its transformation,” said Hookway.

Centrica’s shares were down 0.42% at 143.80p at 1150 BST.