New and notable appointments at Bristol Energy, Primeline Group, and The Irish Local Development Network (ILDN)

Pictured: Jonathan Hoare, Director of Communications & Public Affairs, The Irish Local Development Network (ILDN)

This weeks sees new and notable appointments at Bristol Energy, Primeline Group, and The Irish Local Development Network (ILDN)

Richard Orna, Managing Director,
Bristol Energy

Richard Orna has been appointed Managing Director of Bristol Energy following last month’s acquisition of the business by Together Energy.

Formerly Head of Information Services, Richard had been a member of the Executive Team for the past ten months. Prior to that he held senior positions at Bristol Water with responsibility for technology, and Bristol City Council.

Richard Orna, Managing Director, Bristol Energy

In his new role Richard’s immediate priority will be to ensure a continuity of customer service following the change in ownership and a look forward to delivering the ambitious plans for the business.

Commenting on his appointment Paul Richards said, “It’s been a challenging time for Bristol Energy but we are focused on looking to the future and how we can continue to bring innovative services to customers and ensure they receive good value and 100% renewable electricity.

“Richard’s combined knowledge of the business and his skills set will enable us to ensure that continuity of service as well implement our growth strategy. We are delighted that he is on board.”

Richard, who lives in Filton in North Bristol, added, “It’s a fresh start for the business and Together Energy share the ethos and values we all strive for which was a key attraction for me. We will continue our commitment to be a force for social good as well as delivering a greener future.”

Together Energy purchased Bristol Energy in September for £14m, acquiring 155,000 residential meter points as well as the company’s brand and systems. It committed to guaranteeing the jobs of 110 frontline workers who are in the process of being TUPED into the company and will remain in Bristol. There will be no change for customers, and they will continue to benefit from the same tariffs and service under the retained Bristol Energy brand.

John Dolan and Keith Haugh, Group Chief Financial Officer, and Group Operations and IT Director, respectively,
Primeline Group

New senior appointments to the management team at Primeline Group, in finance and operations, have been announced by Chief Executive Officer, Tim Cummins.

John Dolan, Group Chief Financial Officer, Primeline Group

John Dolan takes on the role of Group Chief Financial Officer at the leading Irish-owned brand-building, logistics and supply chain management business.

A finance leader with extensive experience across revenue and margin growth, technology, tax, planning and strategy, John Dolan previously held leadership roles at Diageo Plc in finance, data analytics and business services.

John Dolan is a Chartered Accountant and a commerce graduate of UCD with more than twenty years industry experience.

The appointment of Keith Haugh as Group Operations and IT Director further strengthens the robust Primeline offering in end-to-end logistics, sales, marketing and storage solutions.

Vastly experienced in retail and distribution, Haugh has twenty years’ experience across the FMCG, manufacturing and logistics industries.

Keith Haugh, Group Operations and IT Director, Primeline Group

A commerce graduate of UCD, he spent ten years with Lidl Ireland GmbH in senior management positions in the logistics, procurement and sales divisions. Prior to that, Keith Haugh worked with Aryzta AG in roles including procurement and facilities management across the Irish and UK divisions.

Employing over 1,000 people, the Primeline Group incorporates Primeline Logistics and Primeline Sales and Marketing, and operates across the Irish and UK markets.

Extensive investment in additional fleet, new warehousing and temperature-controlled facilities, and a digital transformation project in recent years has seen the Meath headquartered business expand its service provision and client base significantly.

Client principals include Woodies DIY, Premier Foods, Mars, Nestle, Coca-Cola, Bic, Tayto, Phillip Morris and Whirlpool in a growing operation with over 30 years’ experience partnering with leading domestic and international brands, businesses and retailers.

Jonathan Hoare, Director of Communications & Public Affairs,
The Irish Local Development Network (ILDN)

The Irish Local Development Network (ILDN) has announced the appointment of Jonathan Hoare as its Director of Communications & Public Affairs. A former Government Special Adviser, Hoare has strong experience in the areas of government, public affairs, media relations and local development.  

The Irish Local Development Network CLG (ILDN) is the representative body of Ireland’s 49 Local Development Companies (LDCs). With over 2,000 employees and almost 8,000  Tús & Rural Social Scheme workers on the ground supporting 15,000 community groups and 170,000 people each year through €300 million of state-funded programmes, Local Development Companies make up the largest Community Development/Anti-Poverty Network in the state.   

Jonathan Hoare, Director of Communications & Public Affairs, The Irish Local Development Network (ILDN)

Welcoming the appointment, ILDN Chairman Jim Finn said; “This is an exciting time for ILDN and its members. Local Development Companies (LDCs) have been at the forefront of the Community Response to COVID-19 and will play the central role in assisting disadvantaged groups, communities and individuals to adapt to the new operating environment. LDCs will be working to ensure an inclusive recovery through all their programmes and channels and we have appointed a dynamic, experienced practitioner to help us communicate this mission with maximum impact.”  

ILDN Manager, Joe Saunders stated; “Our members’ work, especially the transformative impacts of their social inclusion and community work programmes, is having a real impact on individuals and communities as we address the challenges of COVID-19.  Effective communication with multiple audiences – service users, the wider public, funders, civic society, government and the political system generally – is required to ensure that an inclusive recovery is kept at the top of policy and funding priorities.  I am confident that Jonathan’s appointment will assist ILDN in achieving all of these goals into the future.”  

Commenting on his appointment, Jonathan Hoare concluded; “I am humbled to be offered the opportunity to work with Ireland’s 49 Local Development Companies through the ILDN, to help shine a light on the immense contribution they make in Communities across the Country.  I am particularly excited about the prospect of emphasising the work ILDN members are doing in the area of social inclusion through the delivery of the Social Inclusion & Community Activation Programme (SICAP).  LDC’s offer critical services to over 170,000 individuals annually, making a deep impact on people’s lives in local Communities nationwide – a contribution which requires greater recognition and support.  This is a very exciting opportunity and I relish the challenge of moving the ILDN forward for its LDC members and ultimately for the communities and families who benefit from and depend upon them.”