Simone Lowthe-Thomas, Chief Executive Officer for sustainability charity Severn Wye Energy Agency, will hand over leadership of the organisation after four years at the helm.
Under Simone’s leadership, Severn Wye have established dozens of innovative new programmes and expanded the reach of existing ones, representing nearly £14m of investment in sustainable development. Since 2018, the Severn Wye team has doubled in size in the midst of rapid growth in the low-carbon agenda and an expanding energy efficiency market, and has invested heavily in training and upskilling its staff to deliver state-of-the-art, futureproofed services.
Chair of Trustees Heather Watts said:
“Since taking up the role of CEO in January 2018, Simone has led the organisation through an exceptional period in its history. She has led the organisation into new opportunities, established a new organisational structure, embedded new strategic objectives and expanded the charity and its services year-on-year despite the challenges of the global pandemic and the fast-moving sustainability agenda.
We have enjoyed four very successful years under Simone’s leadership and on behalf of the Board of Trustees and everyone at Severn Wye, I would like to thank her for the firm foundation she has created. Simone leaves Severn Wye in a really strong position, ready to take full advantage of the opportunities on the horizon.”
When she steps down at the end of the financial year, Dr Lowthe-Thomas will be taking up a new role with the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority as Director of Nature Recovery and Climate Change, leading a team to drive restoration of biodiversity and action on climate change in one of the UK’s most picturesque National Parks. Alongside this, Simone will continue her responsibilities as Board Member and Chair of the Wales Funding Committee of the National Lottery Community Fund. She said:
“It has been a real privilege to lead Severn Wye for the last four years – during maybe the most exciting period for sustainability in living memory. I am incredibly proud of the work we have done, and I have been fortunate enough to work with a dedicated and skilled team, who fill me will confidence for the future of the charity.
Having worked for Severn Wye for twelve years, I will naturally leave here with a heavy heart, but I am confident that now is the right time for a new leader to take the organisation forward.”
Severn Wye have established an interim executive team consisting of the Director of Finance, Director of Wales, Director of Operations and Director of Marketing to work closely with Simone as she hands over, providing continuity and smooth transition as the Board begins the process of appointing a new CEO.
