Bob Holt steps down as Inspired Energy chairman

The AIM-traded firm also announced the appointment of Michael Fletcher to the role, and Mark Dickinson as non-executive director, with immediate effect.

Fletcher has been on the board since Inspired Energy listed in November 2011, and is also co-founder and managing partner of Praetura Capital - a business specialising in venture investment and corporate advisory.

He was formerly a managing director at Altium Capital.

Inspire’s board said Fletcher has extensive experience in mergers, acquisitions and corporate finance, complementing Inspired Energy's growth strategy of executing complementary acquisitions.

He is a chartered accountant and both FCA and SRA approved.

Dickinson, joining the board as non-executive director, is an energy consultancy specialist with more than 20 years of experience in developing and advising companies in the sector.

He was CEO of M&C Energy Group, where he led the buy and build strategy completing four acquisitions before selling the company to Schneider Electric in 2013.

Inspired Energy’s board said he brings significant industry knowledge and experience in executing acquisitions, and has a Masters in Finance from the London Business School where he was voted Accomplished Entrepreneur of the Year in 2012.

Dickinson will chair the nominations committee and Fletcher will chair the audit committee.

“On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Bob for his support,” said CEO Janet Thornton.

“Bob has provided invaluable advice drawing on his broad experience of public company life in his role throughout the IPO process and subsequent five years which has seen Inspired Energy evolve from a £10m fledgling enterprise into a £65m group.

“We are delighted that Mike has agreed to step up to the chairman's role as he was integrally involved in the IPO, has been on the board as a non-executive director since 2011 and provides the board with strong counsel and support.”

Thornton said the board was also keen to welcome Mark, who is joining Inspired Energy at a “very exciting time” for the business.

“We have grown significantly over the past five years, continuing to deliver record results through our organic growth and strategic acquisitions and look forward to another exciting year of growth and opportunity for the business.”