Smart Energy 2026 Speakers

Sebastian Weber is the Chief Information Officer at E.ON, overseeing IT strategy, operations, governance and AI platforms. With over 20 years in the software and energy industries, he drives digital transformation and innovation at one of Europe’s largest energy companies.

Gianni Commessatti is the Managing Director One B2C at ENGIE Italia. A strategic executive with 15+ years in the energy sector, he has a proven track record in leading digital transformation, cultural change and innovative management to drive sustainable growth.

Alejandro Sánchez Alarcón is the Chief Data Officer at Naturgy Renewables. An engineer with a passion for innovation, he began his career in risk management and commodity modelling before moving into digital innovation and the startup ecosystem.

Kirti Rudra is the Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at ENGIE UK, with over 18 years’ experience in the energy industry. She leads strategic initiatives, transformation and M&A integration, driving alignment across business functions and identifying opportunities for sustainable growth.

Simon Duckett is the Chief Digital Officer at Sonnedix, a global renewable energy company with solar, wind and storage assets. In this newly created role, he oversees Sonnedix’s digitalisation strategy, focusing on digital and AI tools that enhance analytics and performance.

Chris Lovatt is the Chief Executive Officer of Smart DCC, which he joined in March 2025. He brings extensive energy sector experience, most recently as Chief Operating Officer at E.ON UK, and previously as E.ON’s Managing Director of Residential Supply.

Jon Saltmarsh is the Chief Technology Officer at Energy Systems Catapult. He is responsible for identifying the key innovation challenges where the Catapult can have most impact, and providing the technical direction to deliver practical insights and solutions.

Aysegul Tchere is the Vice President of Digitalisation Energy Management at Statkraft, where she drives the digital transformation of hydro, wind, solar and battery portfolios. With 25+ years’ experience, she specialises in digital strategy, technology leadership and AI-enabled optimisation.

Suresh Bhaskar is the Managing Director Renewables – UK & Ireland at ENGIE. An energy professional with more than 25 years’ experience, he has developed and managed infrastructure assets across Asia, the Middle East, Africa and now the UK and Ireland.

Dr Oliver Franz is the Vice President European Regulation at E.ON SE, specialising in European energy policy, network regulation and electricity market design. He holds leadership roles in Eurelectric and the EU DSO Entity, helping shape the regulatory framework for Europe’s energy transition.

Stève Hervouet is the Chief Strategy and Regulation Officer at Smart DCC. He has 23 years’ experience in regulated utilities in the UK and overseas, including as Director of Strategy and Regulation at Affinity Water.

Emma Fletcher is the Innovation Director at Octopus Energy Homes. Her career has centred on high-innovation projects in housing, energy performance and green energy production, and she established and led the UK’s first fossil fuel-free district heating scheme in her village, Swaffham Prior.

Berto Martins is the Director for Short Term Asset Optimisation – Europe at EDP Group.

Timo Koivumäki is the Director Flexibility Technology at Fortum.

Kris Remels is the Innovation Director at Luminus. Kris has more than 15 years of experience in the energy business, across retail, strategy and innovation, and leads the team helping Luminus customers in Belgium build an electrified future.

Philip Steele is the Future Technologies Evangelist at Octopus Energy, where he leads an international R&D team researching and launching new energy tech, from time-of-use tariffs and EV chargers to solar, batteries and smart home products.

Tom Pakenham is the Director HEMS & Flex at Centrica. An environmental entrepreneur, he has launched ventures including greentomatocars and led EV-grid integration at OVO, and is now leading Hive’s transformation into a whole-home ecotech provider.

George Loukos is the Director of Smart Metering at HEDNO, leading the national smart meter roll-out and advanced metering infrastructure. As Director for Research & Innovation, he also drives the adoption of new technologies to deliver the network of the future.

Marzia Zafar is the Deputy Director of Governance for Data & Digitalisation at Ofgem. She leads teams designing the regulatory and governance frameworks for a more digitised, decentralised and resilient energy system, and champions innovation through Ofgem’s £450 million innovation fund.

Christoph Frei is a Partner at Emerald Technology Ventures, where he leads the firm’s Global Energy Transformation Fund. He previously served for ten years as CEO of the World Energy Council and is a Titular Professor at EPFL.

Sam Hancock is the Global Head of Data Science at Octopus Energy, leading the data organisation and the integration of AI across the business. He previously helped design self-driving cars at Waymo before turning his focus to the climate emergency.

Alexandra (Sasha) Shipulina is the Head of Data Sharing Infrastructure & Sector Digitalisation at the National Energy System Operator (NESO), responsible for shaping and delivering the digital and data foundations of a decarbonised, smarter energy system.

Eric Ahlers is the Head of Strategy and Committees at Netze BW, an EnBW company. He previously held management positions in energy industry associations, most recently at BDEW, covering commercial network regulation, data and market communication, and electromobility.

Nia Lowe is the Head of Distribution System Operations (DSO) at SP Energy Networks, a Chartered Engineer with over 30 years’ industry experience. She is Chair of the IET Power Academy Executive and a member of the ENA Energy Systems and Business Committee.

Chloe Fong is the Head of Ventures – Growth Studio at E.ON UK, where she leads the development of customer-centric energy solutions. Chloe and her team are focused on bridging the gap between utilities and consumers towards net zero.

Jean-Thomas Meyer is the Director of Engineering Digitalisation at Ørsted. He has led digital transformation initiatives in the offshore wind sector and is now leveraging generative AI and large language models to drive continued progress.

Duncan Stone is Deputy Director for Electricity System Flexibility at the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ), which includes responsibility for expanding consumer-led flexibility (CLF), grid-scale battery storage and long duration electricity storage (LDES) capacity as well as energy sector digitalisation.

Euan Birch is the Head of Cyber Security Operations at SP Energy Networks, leading cyber security operations and operational resilience. He also serves on the UK Government Cyber Advisory Board and several sector groups, influencing cyber resilience policy and best practice.

Steven Gough is the Head of Flexibility at Elexon, where he set up the Market Facilitator and is driving forward flexibility markets and their digital enablers. He brings 15 years’ experience across two DNOs, spanning electrical planning, innovation, digital and DSO.

Della Newton is the Head of Structured Origination at VPI, where she leads the development of long-term structured energy transactions and innovative flexibility products. She specialises in commercial solutions that bridge renewable generation, flexible assets and end-user demand.

Alex Howard is the Head of Flexibility Markets at UK Power Networks, leading the design and procurement of flexibility services. With more than 300,000 flexible assets now registered, his team has pioneered day-ahead flexibility and demand turn up at distribution level.

Dave van Westing is the Head of Propositions at Eneco. A strategic innovation leader with a vision centred on Energy as a Service, his mission is to help make clean energy affordable, accessible and easy to use for everyone.

Emrah Bingol is the Head of Portfolio Reporting & Controls at National Grid.

Tomas Moreno is the Head of Innovation Ecosystem at EDP.

Shelley Tanner is the Head of Human Resources at SSEN Distribution, leading strategic workforce and organisational transformation. She is particularly interested in how AI, automation and changing workforce expectations are reshaping the future of utilities.

Christian Baer is the Secretary General at Europex.

Niamh Quinn is the Head of Strategy and IT, Generation Trading at ESB. She is responsible for the generation portfolio and investment strategy for Generation Trading, the IT capabilities that support the business, and its digital and AI strategy.

Matt White is the Head of Engineering Compliance and Standards at UK Power Networks. With over 20 years in electricity distribution, he leads the engineering strategy and technical standards behind the safe, resilient and cost-effective operation of UKPN’s networks.

Hugo Grancho Silva is the Head of B2C Product Development at EDP. A product and innovation professional with over 8 years’ experience, he develops data-driven energy products that help customers understand and optimise their energy use, with a particular interest in smart meter data, flexibility and EV smart charging.

Fattah Ghicha is the Head of Algorithmic Trading Compliance at Centrica.

Marianella (Nella) Gurney is an Energy Trading and Intelligent Markets Specialist. Shaped by years at some of the world’s largest energy trading firms across the US and Europe, she now works at the frontier of flexibility, helping design markets, scale ventures and align strategy with system change.

Tomás Câmara Pestana is the Head of Engineering & Asset Intelligence in the B2C Product Development team at EDP. He leads the development of new hardware products for the residential segment in Iberia, towards the vision of a smart energy home.

Matthew Copeland is the Head of Policy and Public Affairs at National Energy Action (NEA). He leads NEA’s work to ensure a fair and affordable net zero transition and affordable energy for low-income households, and sits on the UKERC Advisory Board.

Swetta Coopamah is the Head of Smart Energy Systems at BEAMA, leading industry work on smart energy, flexibility and interoperability. With over 18 years’ experience across utilities, regulation and market change, she works closely with Government, regulators and industry on programmes including Smart Secure Electricity Systems.

Dr Gianna Huhn is the Head of Innovation Strategy at SSE, leading strategic foresight and horizon scanning. With more than 15 years across industry, government and academia, she helps utilities prepare for an increasingly complex and fast-changing future.

Patrick de Mars is the Senior Data Scientist at NESO, bringing AI and digital innovation into the heart of Great Britain’s electricity control room. His career spans AI research, operational data science and five years lecturing at UCL.

Alex Munnery is the Commercial Flexibility Lead at Northern Powergrid, where he leads the flexibility team. The team is responsible for the procurement and dispatching of flexibility services, Active Network Management and curtailment.

Megan McNeill is the Innovation Delivery Manager at NESO.

Aswin Peter is the Senior Product Lead – Customer Experience & Product Strategy at British Gas. His expertise spans AI, digital transformation and product strategy, with a focus on using AI to create simpler, more human customer experiences.

Dr Dong Chen is the Manager of R&D Delivery, Academic Engagement and Pipeline at the UK’s National HVDC Centre. He leads simulation and innovation programmes supporting the transition to converter-dominated, high-renewable and digitally enabled power systems.

Alex Collina is the Digitalization Lead for BESS & Solar at Vattenfall, shaping the solar and battery portfolio by turning strategy into actionable, value-driven solutions. Alex is passionate about leveraging technology and innovation to accelerate the energy transition.

Gunjan Arora is the Programme Operations and Controls Lead at Centrica, driving delivery, commercialisation and venture strategy at Energised Futures. She brings 11+ years’ global experience spanning fintech, logistics and investment banking.

Dr Nina Klein works in Energy Flexibility – Policy and Engineering at Ofgem. Nina leads work on Demand Turn Up flexibility, supports removing barriers to flexibility in NESO and DSO markets, and contributed to Clean Power 2030 and the Clean Flexibility Roadmap.

Ana Gorgyan is the Executive Director at Independent Power Corporation.

Iona Penman is the Market Design Manager at Octopus Energy. She focuses on consumer flexibility and the policy and market reforms needed to unlock it at scale, making it easier for households and businesses to use power when it’s cleanest and cheapest.

Lukas Heuck is the Lead Algorithmic Trading at E.ON.

Matthew Watson is the Senior Market Design / Flexibility Advisor at Elexon. With over a decade at the forefront of UK flexibility markets, he now focuses on developing the market rules needed to align the various markets so they operate in a coordinated way.

Rob Parvin is the Smart Energy Data Architecture Manager at SECCo. He brings 22 years’ experience in data roles across several countries, most recently as a Data Architect at SA Power Networks and SA Water in South Australia.

Nikki Hunter is the Sourcing Lead – Decarbonisation Programme at Network Rail.

Charmane St’Ange is the New Business Manager at New Futures Network (HMPPS), connecting employers with prison employment programmes across England and Wales and helping businesses build pathways into work for people in custody and on release.

Jamie Bright is the DSO Data Science & Development Manager at UK Power Networks.

Merle Jamieson is the Economic Regulation Specialist at Citizens Advice.

Davide Turi is the Innovation Lead, Flexibility at E.ON, working to make the energy transition more affordable and accessible. He focuses on lowering electricity bills, particularly for customers in fuel poverty, while developing flexibility solutions that benefit both customers and the wider energy system.

Pim Buiting is the Business Developer HEMS at ENGIE Netherlands, developing energy solutions that help consumers and businesses make smarter use of renewable energy, spanning flexibility, smart EV charging, home energy management and batteries.

Leigh Maxfield is the Employment & Skills Partner at Thames Water.

Abbie Badcock‑Broe is an industry strategist known for cutting through complexity to shape the future of the UK energy system. With 20 years’ experience advising Executives and Boards, she specialises in system‑wide problem‑solving — from decarbonisation and system operation to long‑range planning and organisational transformation. Her work consistently centres on one question: how customers, communities and industry actors will shape — and be shaped by — the energy system of the future.

Formerly Head of Corporate, UK & Decarbonisation Strategy at National Grid, Abbie has led major strategic shifts, built enterprise‑wide foresight capabilities and steered the long‑term narrative for the transition to the National Energy System Operator. Her earlier career spans energy retail, renewables, European trade associations and consultancy, giving her a uniquely customer‑anchored perspective on system change.

A Royal Academy of Engineering Policy Fellow, Abbie is a regular voice on the main stage at leading industry forums.

Anirudh Bhoopalam, Ph.D., is an Analyst at Lux Research, based in Rotterdam, where he covers the future of utilities and mobility, with a focus on electric vehicles, autonomous vehicles, electric aviation and microgrids.

Elizabeth Allkins is an Independent Consultant at Energy Elizabeth.

Ros Singleton is the Director of Business and Technical Architecture at SECCo.

Sarah Chapman is a Venture Partner at SET Ventures, Europe’s leading energy tech VC. Previously Sarah was founder/CEO of two energy tech startups. She has been working in energy and climate since 2008.

Sean Layerle is the Managing Director at Baalbek Insights. An internationally experienced product management leader shaped by 14 years in Silicon Valley, he has worked with many of the largest energy companies on digital solutions across the power sector value chain.

Ronan Power is the CEO of Solar Ireland, where he works with industry, government and communities to help accelerate Ireland’s transition to renewable energy, removing barriers across grid, planning and policy and championing collaboration across the sector.

Peter McCrory is the Head of Grid at RenewableUK.

Kevni Iljazovski is the Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel at Blue Power Partners, supporting its global renewable advisory and development activities. Previously at St. Jørgen Holding and European Energy, he has worked on large-scale wind, solar, battery storage and Power-to-X projects, and on landmark PPAs with Rio Tinto, Google and Microsoft.

Sophie Decorte is the Business Development Coordinator at Airzone in Central Europe and the UK, and Airzone’s legal representative at the European Heat Pump Association. She has over 25 years’ experience in the HVAC industry.

Robert Ducie is the Head of Professional Services – Data & AI at CKDelta.

Chris Russell is a Partner at Baringa, working across the retail energy landscape for the past 20 years. Chris was founder and CEO of Tonik Energy, and subsequently became Chief Commercial Officer of OVO Energy.

Jan-Willem Rombouts is the Founder & CEO of Beebop and a leading voice on grid orchestration and distributed energy infrastructure. He previously co-founded REstore, a pioneer in virtual power plant technology acquired by Centrica.

Tara Joe is the Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Electrical Safety First.

Ingar Beck Landet is the Head of Strategic Accounts at Enode, leading the team working with Europe’s largest utilities and energy retailers on turning connected devices into flexibility at scale. He was previously VP for Renewable Power & Power Grids at Cognite.

Rodney Doyle is the Managing Director, Energy Transition at KPMG, leading its research and client work on the energy transition across grid and markets. He was formerly COO and CIO of EirGrid, Ireland’s electricity transmission system operator.

Henri-Thierry Toutounji is the Sustainability and B2B Partner at OC&C Strategy Consultants. With nearly two decades at OC&C, he advises corporates and investors on growth strategy and M&A in sectors driving the energy and sustainability transition.

Yumann Siddiq is the Senior Policy and External Affairs Manager at Ohme, leading its policy work on standards, flexibility market access and data, with a focus on making sure the value of flexibility flows back to consumers. She previously worked at Smart DCC and Energy UK.

Marcus Gardiner is the Client Director – Energy & Utilities at Softwire, responsible for clients, strategy, growth and technical vision. He leads teams that handle vast volumes of live data, build resilient 24/7 systems and deploy AI in ways people understand and trust.

Neil Crossman is the Founder of Finabeo. A leader in tech transformation, tech cost management and safe AI implementation, he has 25 years’ experience in energy, water and financial services, and is a former big 4 consultant and programme director.

Evo Stefanov is the Managing Partner at Methodia, with more than 25 years’ experience leading technology, product and business transformation. He shapes digital solutions that help energy and utility companies modernise complex operations and build more reliable digital infrastructure.