Gren appoints UK CEO to lead its expansion plans

Gren, the leading Northern European green energy company, has appointed Mike Reynolds to lead its new UK company, overseeing the business’s market entry and its growing portfolio of assets and partnerships. Mike brings 20 years of experience working at the cutting edge of the energy transition in Europe and North America. He starts as CEO of Gren Energy Ltd on 1 June 2023.

Mike has a track record of driving investment, launching new products, establishing businesses in new markets and achieving sustainable growth. He previously served as Managing Director of Vattenfall Heat UK, overseeing its successful expansion into the UK market. He has also held directorships at SSE in B2B energy services and led the international expansion of Natural Capital Partners on the US West Coast.

Mike’s appointment follows Gren’s acquisition of 11 heat and power generation assets in the UK in May 2023. He will oversee the growth of this initial portfolio, expand Gren’s UK management team, and leverage Gren’s expertise as market leader in district energy to partner on new projects and make targeted acquisitions.

In welcoming Mike to Gren, board chairman Matti Viljo commented:

“Mike is an executive proven to deliver rapid growth in new markets and he will bring energy and inspiration, building an exceptional team to accelerate our presence.

“Gren has more than 20 years of experience in serving customers by developing sustainable generation assets and efficient and reliable district heating networks. With established operations in Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, we are already playing a key role as an energy partner to local communities, and this gives us a great platform for international growth.

“We see a great opportunity in the UK as one of the fastest growing district heating markets in Europe and are committed to investing in infrastructure, driving decarbonisation, and contributing positively to the societies around us.”

Commenting on his new role, Mike Reynolds said:

“I have dedicated my career to driving the low carbon transition and am delighted to be joining Gren at such an exciting time. The UK energy market is going through a period of unprecedented change. Gren’s dynamic and agile approach is exactly what is needed to unlock the huge potential in this market and stimulate rapid acceleration in decentralised energy and district heating.

“I very much look forward to getting to know our existing customers and suppliers, as well as forging new partnerships as we build out this new UK green energy business. I am committed to ensuring Gren plays a key role in providing local, affordable green energy for all.”